The detention of Chilufya Tayali on an unknown charge is unacceptable.
By Dr Fred M’membe.
It is clearly an abuse of the criminal justice system.
As we have repeatedly stated, it is a well-known fact that throughout history, those who administer or control the criminal justice system hold the power with the potential for abuse and tyranny. The statutory powers to arrest and prosecute those who commit crimes should be reasonably exercised and in good faith. By allowing people to be unjustifiably arrested, detained and prosecuted, those in power are sending a dangerous signal that the criminal justice system can used to persecute and fix opponents of the regime. There’s need to administer justice fairly and impartially
In Freedom under the Law, Lord Denning wisely remarked, “All power corrupts. Total power corrupts absolutely. And the trouble about it is that an official who is the possessor of power often does not realise when he is abusing it. Its influence is so insidious that he may believe that he is acting for the public good when, in truth, all he is doing is to assert his own brief authority. The Jack-in-office never realises that he is being a little tyrant.”
We should at all times uphold the rule of law, integrity of the criminal justice system and the right to a fair trial.
Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party
April 5, 2022