Image via Socialist Party of Zambia on Facebook
By Global News Service
Fred M’membe, the president of the Socialist Party Zambia, was released from Twin Palm Police Station on August 12, after having been jailed on August 8.
The circumstances around M’membe’s detention were legally dubious at best. M’membe was arrested on charges of sedition for publishing a newspaper article reporting an incident of severe corruption, in which Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi allegedly boasted that he had paid off Zambia $20 million for support.
While detained, the socialist leader requested a writ of habeas corpus to direct the Zambia Police Service to show why he had not been released immediately, as he was refused bail and never given an appearance in court on a bondable offense.
Dr. M’membe was arrested numerous times in 2023, including on charges of “espionage” in November and “political violence” and “libel” in August, two separate arrests that same month. These arrests were made in relation to M’membe’s criticism of the Zambian government. The Socialist Party Zambia as a whole has engaged in criticism of the government for entering into austerity agreements while the high cost of living is taking a toll on the working class.
“What we are seeing are actions of little frightened men, scared of their own shadows, because of the many crimes they have committed against the Zambian people,” said M’membe upon release. “They promised things they can’t do. They promised police bonds for bondable offenses, they don’t do it.”
from the Peoples Dispatch / Globetrotter News Service
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