THE ARREST OF IMBWILI FOR MERELY WELCOMING PEOPLE AT HIS RESIDENCE UNFORTUNATE – KALABA
….says President Hichilema has continued using the Public Order Act to suppress Opponents
Lusaka, Tuesday, February 7, 2023 ( Smart Eagles)
President Hakainde Hichilema has continued to use the Public Order Act to Suppress his opponents, Citizens First (CF) Leader Harry Kalaba has said.
Mr Kalaba said this in reaction to yesterday’s arrest of DR Chishimba Kambwili on the offence of Unlawful Assembly.
This is in connection with a gathering that took place at his own Residence when some youths visited him.
But Mr Kalaba said the arrest of Dr Kambwili was unfortunate, more especially that he was arrested for merely welcoming people at his residence.
“The term public means you are doing something out of your private space meaning you cannot inconvenience other people,” he said.
Mr Kalaba who is also former Minister of Home Affairs has invited the international community to reflect on what is happening in Zambia.
The Citizens First Leader said President Hichilema is on a mission to intimidate and oppress his colleagues in the opposition.
He has however stated that no form of intimidation will stop the Opposition from bringing to light issues that need to be addressed.
Mr Kalaba has since urged the Zambia Police to be professional and begin to advise the President on what is right and wrong.
He was speaking when he featured on Hot FM’s Hot Seat Programme.
And Mr Kalaba said Zambia must do away with oppressive laws like the Public Order Act unlike making Cosmetic Adjustments.
“The adjustments being made in the Public Order Act which would come inform of Public Gathering act are cosmetic. We need to get rid of oppressive laws like the public order act.
“They have changed the name then what next. What we are calling for is a complete obliteration of the public order act. It is within your powers President Hichilema, tell your members of Parliament,” he said.