LAZ DISTURBED BY POLICE CONDUCT
●…LAZ condemns the conduct of the Police Officer, which is a classic example of the abuse of the Public Order Act, as it is based on a misguided notion that citizens need the permission of the Police before they can enjoy their Constitutionally guaranteed rights, ncluding the freedom to freely assemble and associate. It is LAZ’s position that citizens, regardless of their political affiliation and status, do not need the permission of the Police to freely enjoy their rights and liberties but the Police have an obligation to protect citizens as they enjoy their rights including the right to freedom of assembly….
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has been alerted to an incident circulating on social-media involving a Police Officer in Kabwe, who stormed Catholic Bishop Clement Mulenga’s Parish Office and attempted to stop a courtesy call by former President, Mr. Edgar Lungu.
LAZ condemns the conduct of the Police Officer, which is a classic example of the abuse of the Public Order Act, as it is based on a misguided notion that citizens need the permission of the Police before they can enjoy their Constitutionally guaranteed rights, ncluding the freedom to freely assemble and associate. It is LAZ’s position that citizens, regardless of their political affiliation and status, do not need the permission of the Police to freely enjoy their rights and liberties but the Police have an obligation to protect citizens as they enjoy their rights including the right to freedom of assembly.
LAZ continues to be concemed with the abuse of the Public Order Act by the Police as the
country is likely to roll back the democratic gains it has achieved so far, should the conduct be left unchecked.
However, LAZ commends the reported Government’s apology to the Catholic Church over the incident which is a tacit condemnation of this unfortunate occurrence.
LAZ calls on the Minister of Home Affairs to reign in the Police tO curtail the continued abuse of citizens’ rights and liberties including the stance not to allow the holding of political rallies, which stance is inimical to democratic tenets.
This press release has been issued on a matter touching on the rights and liberties of citizens in furtherance of the LAZ’s mandate under Section 4 of the Law Association of Zambia Act, Chapter 31 of the Laws of Zambia.
Dated this 19th day of May 2024
This LAZ mansgows how childish he is…. “It is LAZ’s position that citizens, regardless of their political affiliation and status, do not need the permission of the Police to freely enjoy their rights and liberties but the Police have an obligation to protect citizens as they enjoy their rights including the right to freedom of assembly….”
Yes, that is a fact. But can HH right now drive out and go to Shoprite to buy bread, without attracting attention? If he did that and is mobbed by people who will be to blame?
Its the same LAZ and other stakeholders that will complain that the Police and arms of security didnt do their job.
2. Making statements to seem relevant is just being redundant. Lets be honest, if the Government has apologised about the incident what is the point that an entire LAZ President is also making a statement? To be labour a point that has already been made? LAZ start by being proactive.
Meeting privately and address situations like this. This is just a security lapse by Lungu’s security detail. They failed to liase with Kabwe Police to mobilise enough resources to deal with the possible security breach.
Lungu has take a partisan or rather individualistic approach to the issue his security until something bad happens and then blames government will he realise what is being said. The church should be cautious and not be used as pawns in Lungu’s attempts to rise into office again. He had nothing to offer Zambians then, he has nothing to offer Zambians now. All he seeks is run away from the legal issues that may catch up with him. Deflection is his intent
Finally LAZ has woken up
This ka Boy is also a crook always awakening up when this Edgar Chagwa Lungu misbehaves, what time of lawyer is this, that you are. SOIL!
Toothless LAZ that’s just a beneficiary of PF. During PF you were quiet. Indeed you’re only serving your selfish interests as you have nothing to offer the masses.
LAZ should be disturbed by ECL s statement of being a snake and a baby born before 2026.