Africa-Press – Zambia. Government has taken note of the report released by Amnesty International, which alleges that the Zambian people are be ing ruled by fear and repression.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to categorically dispute the alleged findings of the Amnesty International that the Zambian Government is restricting freedom of expression, association and assembly.
Contrary to the assertion made by the Amnesty International in its 2021 Report on Zambia, a vibrant civil society exists in Zambia, alongside a thriving independent media and an impartial judiciary that protects civil liberties and checks any possible excesses of the Executive.
The people of Zambia are free to criticise public officials while opposition parties are allowed to conduct public meetings in accordance with the law and the public health guidelines due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These conditions are not unique to Zambia. It is, therefore, not true that people who engage in these activities are arrested for merely engaging in such activities.
The alleged findings that many people have been arrested for exercising their right to freedom of expression; opposition parties and civil society organisations have been prevented from holding peaceful public assemblies; critical media outlets have been shut down; several associations such as trade unions and political parties have had their certificates of registration cancelled; and that a number of people have lost their lives, often at the hands of the police, with few consequences for those suspected to be responsible, are out of context and should be disregarded.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia respects human rights and does everything within the confines of the law. All the people who have been named in the Report have been reasonably suspected to have broken the law and the due course of the law has been applied to ensure that justice prevails.
The Government wishes to assure the Zambian citizens and the international community that there is no cause for alarm. The Government and its leadership is doing everything possible to ensure that the country holds free and fair elections on 12th of August, 2021.
Government urges the Zambian people to remain calm and understand that it is not unusual for some organisations like Amnesty International to cause panic when they anticipate that an election outcome is not likely to suit their preferences. Amos Malupenga Permanent Secretary MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES 29th June, 2021 LUSAKA
