There is no get out of jail free for crimes committed in office, argues Dr Charlotte Scott
She argues:
Interesting judgement on what presidential immunity actually means – esp that it naturally has boundaries. No “get out of jail free” for crimes committed in office. Immunity shld be limited to actions taken in capacity as Pres, not private actions. #Zambia
While appearing to make reference to local issues, Dr Charlotte drew reference to the recent court action in the United States of America that ruled that the former president of that country Donald Trump was not immune from prosecution for the actions committed while in office.
“I am referring to the wider point – blanket immunity for personal actions throughout a Presidential term in office is not a reasonable proposition. Why should one person be above the law, and one public servant not accountable for their actions?” stated Dr Charlotte.
The USA case will be considered persuasive in Zambia. Stealing money cannot be reasonably covered under presidential immunity.
Democracy thrives only with checks and balances because all human beings are imperfect. It was tried during the medieval period in Europe and was dressed up as having God’s blessings and everywhere it produced abuse of power. How then can any self-respecting democracy licence one person to do as they please? It’s a legally-sound argument and has made the judge who pronounced it a legal luminary.