Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Non-Governmental Organizations’ Coordination Council (NGOCC) has condemned stakeholders condemning Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) President Linda Kasonde over her remarks against Presidential Aide Amos Chanda’s statement on the judiciary.
The NGOCC has joined the OASIS Forum in condemning attacks against Ms Kasonde.
NGOCC Chairperson Sarah Longwe says as a women’s movement, the organization stands in solidarity with Ms. Kasonde and conclude that the personal attacks against her are being perpetuated in order to silence all legitimate views being expressed against the government.
Ms Longwe says her organization further stands and supports the views expounded by LAZ regarding disparaging remarks made against the Judiciary.
She says Zambia being a democracy should operate under the democratic tenets of separation of powers and all three wings of government the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature should all be allowed to operate freely without undue influence or intimidation from any one wing.
She believes that such remarks directed at the judiciary will only work to destroy the young democracy that the country is building.
Ms Longwe states that NGOCC is especially concerned that if this trend of intimidation to institutions such as the judiciary and LAZ in particular continues, the voices of women and children as well as their vested interest will be suppressed even more.
The NGOCC Chairperson has since demanded that Ms. Kasonde be allowed to discharge her duties free of intimidation and personal attacks.