Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo (Picture by Albert Mpezeni)
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) says the Zambia Police Service should clearly state what it considers to be a political discussion and if it is a crime to discuss political issues.
Speaking at Media briefing in Lusaka, CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo says the recent detention of CTPD staff and five pastors in Ndola was uncalled for.
Mr Mwaipopo says the meeting was nonpolitical but meant to deliberate on the proposed 2019 national budget.
He says police should clearly define what constitutes political issues which are neither subject to discussion nor scrutiny.
Mr Mwaipopo states that at no point did the post budget discussion in ndola divert to a political discussion.
And CTPD Board Chairperson Isaac Mundia has emphasized that CTPD is a non partisan Organization.
Mr. Mundia has further clarified that the acceptance by CTPD members of staff to settle for a lesser charge does not by any means entail that the centre accepts that the meeting was political as alleged.
He has further refuted reports that the centre went to meet the Copperbelt Province Minister or the Provincial Police Commissioner to beg for lenience.
Mr. Mundia says there was no illegality of any malice in CTPD having the meeting with the Ndola faith leaders as it was the same presentation CTPD presented and submitted to the expanded parliamentary committee for budget estimates as well as at the NGO wash forum.