Police Warn Youths Planning Illegal Protest
Police in Lusaka have warned those planning to demonstrate in the capital on Monday that their officers will be on high-alert to suppress any protests against threats to freedom of speech in Zambia.
President Lungu has likewise warned young people, musicians, civil society organisations and political parties planning to protest that they will be confronted by the police.
Speaking to PF members over the weekend in Chirundu, the president alleged that the protests were organised to bring “anarchy because they are saying freedom of speech has been threatened by the remarks attributed to honourable Lusamba when he said to those two that please apologise”.
President Lungu’s comments come in defence of Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo, who has demanded an apology from musicians Kings Malembe Malembe, and Brian Bwembya (popularly known as B-Flow) after the pair allegedly insulted the president.
The government’s heavy handed response to the musicians’ criticism has prompted calls for protest in support of freedom of expression.
Police Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja has warned those considering protest that they will face severe consequences.
The president has argued that Minister Lusambo’s demand for an apology is also protected under Zambia’s freedom of speech laws.
“If those boys said what they said and Bowman felt that they have insulted the President and says ‘this is too far waya sana, you are insulting my farther’ should that give reason for people to take to the streets and bring law and order to risk?” The president asked PF members on Saturday.
On the other hand, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) has noted Minister Lusambo’s threats with concern, saying that Zambians should be on the lookout for dictatorial tendencies within the Lungu regime.
The HRC issued a statement on Friday saying that the musicians’ comments against the president were “within the realm of the Right to Freedom of Expression as contained under article 20 of the Constitution of Zambia”.
The statement added that Mr Lusambo’s response to the comments was “demeaning and derogatory” and urged Zambians to “remain vigilant against any early warning signs of dictatorial tendencies characterised by intimidation of individuals and suppression of human rights and fundamental freedoms”.