Zambian opposition leader arrested, charged for seditious practices

​​​​​​​By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambian Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe was arrested Thursday by police and charged with seditious practices.

It stems from an article he published on his X and Facebook that alleged corruption against Congo President Felix Tshisekedi.

“It is alleged that on July 16, 2024, between 13:00 hours and 14:00 hours (Zambian time) Dr. M’membe published an article on his X and Facebook pages titled, ‘Tshisekedi tells DRC Catholic bishops about the US$20 million payout to buy Zambia’s silence,’” police spokesman Rae Hamoonga told reporters in the nation’s capital of Lusaka.

“The content of this article is alleged to have been intended to bring into hatred or contempt or to incite disaffection against the government as established by law. We wish to remind the public that the law will be applied firmly and fairly to all individuals and that any actions aimed at inciting hatred or disaffection against the government as by law established would be met with the appropriate legal measures,” he added.

He said M’membe, 65, had been detained and was expected to appear soon in court to answer the charges.

The arrest was confirmed by M’membe’s lawyer, Simon Mwila, who accompanied him to a police station from where he was summoned and arrested.

“We are now trying to secure a bond for him,” said Mwila.

Cosmas Musumali, head of the Socialist Party, said M’membe’s comments were evidence-backed and he was ready to stand trial.

“He is in high spirits, in fact, he is ready to stand before the court and lay the facts bare,” he told reporters.​​​​​​​