2 September 2022
Police in Zambia have detained an opposition politician for allegedly defaming President Hakainde Hichilema.
Sean Tembo, president of the Patriots for Economic Progress party and a harsh critic of Mr Hichilema, was picked up on Thursday evening and is still in police custody.
Though police have promised to issue a comprehensive statement on the arrest, Mr Tembo, who has announced a hunger strike, says he was arrested for allegedly defaming Mr Hichilema.
Three days ago, in reference to Zambia’s monthly review of fuel prices, he wrote on Twitter:
“Bally’s monthly menstruation is here again. Fuel prices to be reviewed tomorrow.”
Mr Hichilema is widely known as “Bally”, especially on social media.
His comments drew wide condemnation from a cross-section of Zambians while others felt arresting him was excessive.
Several people have recently been arrested under the defamation of the president law that carries a maximum three-year sentence, as calls to repeal it intensify.
Source BBc
