Attorney-General Rejects CSO Claims of Lawlessness

On the cancellation of passports, the Attorney-General said the action was taken under Section 12 of the Passport Act, which empowers the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer to cancel a passport under warranted circumstances.

Mr. KABESHA said affected persons have the right to appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, with a further right of appeal to the High Court.

On arrests and treason and sedition charges, Mr. KABESHA stated that the persons concerned were lawfully arrested by law-enforcement agencies.

He said several matters relating to the charges are before the courts and that commenting on their merits will be sub judice.

On the arrest of Mafinga South Member of Parliament FAITH MUNTHALI, Mr. KABESHA said the arrest of a suspect by law-enforcement agencies does not amount to abduction.

He said Article 18 of the Constitution guarantees the right to legal representation and that every suspect, including Ms. MUNTHALI, is entitled to that protection.

Mr. KABESHA said the Joint CSOs have not provided evidence to support their claim that Ms. MUNTHALI was denied access to legal representation.

On allegations concerning the independence of the Judiciary, Electoral Commission of Zambia, Defence Force and law-enforcement agencies, the Attorney-General said serious allegations of this nature must be supported by evidence.

Meanwhile, Government has welcomed the call by the Civil Society Organisations for peace, restraint and dialogue.

Mr. KABESHA said Government remains open to constructive engagement with political parties, Civil Society Organisations, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders.

However, he said dialogue cannot override the mandate of the courts, terminate legitimate criminal investigations or provide immunity from the law.