CONTINUED DETENTION OF XAVIER DENTING ZAMBIA’S DEMOCRATIC IMAGE - MMD

By BARNABAS ZULU

THE continued detention of opposition leader Xavier Chungu is damaging Zambia’s democratic reputation and attracting negative international attention, the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) has said.

The MMD says following a global campaign launched by Amnesty International demanding the immediate release of Mr Chungu, it is disheartening that Zambia’s democratic credentials have been damaged by the UPND government that had ascended to power promising good governance and the rule of law.

In a statement yesterday, MMD acting president Gaston Sichilima said the intervention by one of the world’s leading human rights organisations should concern all Zambians and institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy.

Mr Sichilima said Zambia had earned a reputation as a beacon of democracy, constitutionalism and respect for human rights, warning that the country’s standing should not be allowed to deteriorate.

He said no democracy was strengthened by the prolonged detention of political opponents where concerns continued to be raised over due process and the protection of constitutional rights.

“Every Zambian, regardless of their political affiliation, deserves equal protection under the law, the presumption of innocence, and access to justice that is fair, impartial and free from any perception of political influence,” Mr Sichilima said.

He said while people may hold differing political views, constitutional rights should never depend on political affiliation.

The opposition party called on Government to demonstrate its commitment to democratic governance by ensuring the law takes its course in a transparent, fair and constitutional manner.

The MMD further appealed for every effort to be made, where permitted by law, to ensure Mr Chungu enjoys his right to liberty pending the determination of his case.

At the same time, the party expressed confidence in the independence of the Judiciary, stating that the courts remained the proper forum for determining criminal matters.

Mr Sichilima urged the courts to handle the matter expeditiously, impartially and strictly according to the law, saying justice delayed weakens public confidence in national institutions.

He further said democracy flourished where political competition was met with dialogue rather than detention, warning that Zambia risked drawing greater international attention over human rights concerns than for the strength of its democratic institutions.

The MMD has since called for what it described as a just, fair and humane resolution of the matter, saying it was in the best interest of Zambia’s democracy, justice system and international standing that the case be resolved without unnecessary delay.