HRC notes with concern escalated suppression of political rights

The Human Rights Commission has noted with grave concern the escalating suppression of civil and political rights and freedoms of individuals through the abuse of the Public Order Act.

The Commission has since called for urgent appropriate governance agenda setting by the Executive.

In a statement, Commission Spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya has cited the recent arrest of some Clergymen and representatives of the Centre for Policy and Trade Development (CTPD) who had assembled to discuss the 2019 budget in church on the Copperbelt, the continued suppression of the political rights of Bahati Member of Parliament Harry Kalaba and Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili as some of the alarming cases of abuse of the Public Order Act.

Mr Muleya says the understanding of the Commission is that there is neither a Restriction Order against free movement of anyone in State of Emergency that would justify suppression of the rights to freedom of assembly and movement of selected individuals.

He states that it is therefore incredible that the Police should expect politicians to always notify and interactions with the public at organized public gatherings such as church and funeral services.

Mr Muleya says the order of Mr Kalaba by Police to leave Mwinilunga district in north western province on account that he had no permit to be in the area is widely seen to be not only illegal, but unreasonable and unjustified in a democratic society such as Zambia.

He says it’s the Commission’s view is that the continued suppression of civil and political rights and freedoms is denting the human rights and governance record of the country  and that government through the Executive should take immediate remedial measures.