KALABA CONDEMNS SELECTIVE JUSTICE, POLITICAL INTOLERANCE

KALABA CONDEMNS SELECTIVE JUSTICE, POLITICAL INTOLERANCECitizens First (CF) party President Harry Kalaba has strongly condemned the selective application of the law and the rising political intolerance under the...

KALABA CONDEMNS SELECTIVE JUSTICE, POLITICAL INTOLERANCE

Citizens First (CF) party President Harry Kalaba has strongly condemned the selective application of the law and the rising political intolerance under the leadership of the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Mr Kalaba stated that it is deeply concerning that the UPND leadership has now turned to the courts to challenge duly elected Parliamentary candidates, after previously denying Zambians an opportunity to validate the Presidential electoral outcome

He observed that this contradiction exposes a troubling pattern of expediency over principle and undermines public confidence in the justice system.

Mr Kalaba noted that the CF is alarmed by credible information suggesting a plan to abduct the duly elected Member of Parliament for Mafinga South, Hon. Faith Munthali.

He said that recent reports of arrests and prolonged detentions of opposition supporters, some held for up to 14 days without being presented before a court, amount to an abuse of the justice system.

Mr Kalaba affirmed that these developments lend credence to concerns raised by United Nations Special Rapporteurs regarding the shrinking democratic space in Zambia.

He added that CF remains a non-violent, democratic movement committed to equity, justice, and the dignity of all citizens.

Mr Kalaba urged the UPND leadership to end what can only be described as hypocrisy in the application of the law and to uphold one standard of justice for all citizens.

He further called upon civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, and members of the clergy to speak out in defence of constitutional democracy, justice, and national unity.

Mr Kalaba observed that silence in the face of injustice only deepens the crisis.

Earlier, Mafinga South newly elected MP Faith Munthali differed with sentiments by former Minister of Home Affairs Jack Mwiimbu, who suggested that the UN Special Rapporteurs’ report on Zambia is inaccurate.

Ms Munthali insisted that the report is accurate, as she herself has suffered these challenges, with three of her team members detained in Mafinga and not having appeared in court, and she affirmed that there has been selective application of justice, especially against opposing views.

He writes:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Citizens First Condemns Selective Use of the Law and Rising Political Intolerance

Lusaka, Zambia — The Citizens First (CF) Party strongly condemns the selective application of the law and escalating political intolerance under the leadership of the United Party for National Development (UPND).

It is deeply concerning that while the UPND leadership denied the people of Zambia an opportunity to validate the Presidential electoral outcome by closing the courts of law, it has now turned to those same courts to challenge duly elected Parliamentary candidates. This contradiction exposes a troubling pattern of expediency over principle and undermines public confidence in the justice system.

The CF is further alarmed by credible information suggesting a plan to abduct the duly elected Member of Parliament for Mafinga South, Hon. Faith Munthali. The CF calls on the authorities to immediately investigate this matter and guarantee her safety and the safety of all elected leaders, regardless of political affiliation.

Recent reports of arrests and prolonged detentions of opposition supporters, some held for up to 14 days without being presented before a court are equally disturbing. Such actions amount to an abuse of the justice system and point to a dangerous trend of its weaponisation. This must come to an immediate end.

These developments lend credence to concerns raised by United Nations Special Rapporteurs regarding the shrinking democratic space in Zambia. As a nation founded on democratic ideals and Christian values, Zambia must not be allowed to regress into a system where the rule of law is applied selectively.

CF remains a non-violent, democratic movement committed to equity, justice, and the dignity of all citizens. We place the people of Zambia at the centre of our mission and will continue to advocate for a fair, transparent, and accountable governance system.

We therefore call upon the UPND leadership to end what can only be described as hypocrisy in the application of the law and to uphold one standard of justice for all citizens.

We also urge civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, and members of the clergy to speak out in defence of constitutional democracy, justice, and national unity. Silence in the face of injustice only deepens the crisis.

Zambia’s future must not be determined by narrow, self-serving interests. It must be built on integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. In this regard I call for the unconditional release of all political detainees to pave way for dialogue and national reconciliation and healing.

May God bless the Republic of Zambia.

Harry Kalaba
President – Citizens First