NAN-F-13
Charges
Lusaka, Oct. 19, 2016 (PANA/NAN) Amnesty International has called on the Zambian authorities to drop charges of sedition against the main opposition leader and his deputy, ahead of their court appearance on Wednesday.
Hakainde Hichilema, President of the United Party for National Development and his vice Geoffrey Mwamba, are due to appear at Luanshya Magistrate court on charges of “seditious practices” and “unlawful assembly.
“The charges against Hichilema and Mwamba are a ploy to intimidate and silence political opponents.
“The authorities must drop the charges against them and stop misusing the criminal justice system to harass political opposition,” Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Director for Southern Africa, said.
Hichilema and Mwamba were arrested in Luanshya on Oct. 5 on their way to visit their supporters in prison.
The “seditious practices” charge was brought against the duo after they publicly stated that they do not recognise President Edgar Lungu as a legitimately elected leader of Zambia.
They went ahead to challenge his election in court.
Amnesty International said that the charge carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
The “unlawful assembly” charge emanates from the meeting the two opposition leaders had with their supporters on Sept. 26 in Chibombo district along their way to the Copperbelt Province.
After being charged, the two opposition leaders were held overnight at Luanshya Police Station.
Hakainde Hichilema alleged that the police denied them food, water and bedding during their detention.
“The authorities must ensure prompt, impartial and effective investigations of the alleged ill treatment of Hichilema and Mwamba during their detention.
“Anyone found to have ill-treated them must be held accountable for their actions,” Amnesty said.
The Zambia Electoral Commission declared the Patriotic Front the winner of the election held on Aug. 11 2016.
However, Hakainde Hichilema’s United Party for National Development challenged the election results in the constitutional court. (PANA/NAN)
OYE/AEA
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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/ArchibongAsuquo