Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has welcomed the decision the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the conviction of former Labour Minister Austin Liato and his two year sentence with hard labour.
TIZ Executive Director Goodwell Lungu says the proceeds of crime Act of 2010 has now been authenticated with Mr Liato’s conviction, in that it was a new law which was yet to be tested.
Mr. Lungu notes that the ruling by the Supreme Court should now send a strong signal to serving Government Ministers and other public officials in the habit abusing public funds.
He says Transparency International Zambia believes Mr. Liato’s conviction has acted as a new test case.
Mr. Lungu says TIZ has nothing against Mr. Liatio except that his action to conceal K2.1 million without giving proper explanation where he got the money required him to serve a jail sentence.
He adds Transparency International Zambia hopes that the Supreme Court’s ruling will again send a strong deterrent message to the current leadership to always account for their actions and lead by good example.