A former minister in Zambia has been charged by police of hosting an unlawful assembly at his home. In the wake of a gathering of youths protesting the high cost of living outside his residence in the country’s capital of Lusaka, Chishimba Kambwili, who served as the previous government’s minister of information, was detained on Monday February 6.
A former diplomat who witnessed the arrest condemned the action.
“It flies in the face of the constitution and guaranteed freedoms of assembly and association. How can you be charged with unlawful assembly at your own private residence? This is but harassment of the opposition,” Emmanuel Mwamba said.
Along with Mr. Kambwili, political activist Charles Kakula was also charged; however, both were released on Tuesday.
“The two whilst acting together with other unknown persons did unlawfully assemble causing other persons to reasonably fear for the breach of public peace,” police said in a statement.
Concerning the issue, civil society organizations have criticized the government and accused it of “mindless politics”.
The rising cost of maize flour, which is used to make the staple cuisine nshima, as well as the high cost of fuel have been used by opposition parties to criticize President Hakainde Hichilema’s policies.
Author-Roberta Appiah
