Zambian opposition Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe has faced charges of libel in connection with a series of contentious posts on social media.
According to Police Chief Graphael Musamba, Mr. M’membe’s recent statements were viewed as potentially inciting “civil disobedience” against the government.
“He referenced military juntas in West Africa, which implies a singular intention to disrupt the prevailing peace in the country. Is this the kind of socialism he advocates, advocating for military coups?” Police Chief Musamba stated.
Mr. M’membe refutes these allegations and, despite his arrest, has continued to issue statements online.
He asserts that authorities have recently issued an order to law enforcement agencies to seize all of his electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and other personal belongings.
“What a sheer waste of time and energy? Let the police legally request for what they want from us and we shall cooperate, instead of resorting to such primitive policing techniques,” he posted on his Facebook page. Mr M’membe who is a journalist-turned-politician once owned the Post newspaper which was controversially liquidated in 2016 for allegedly failing to meet tax obligations.