Citizens First: Zambia Faith Munthali Abduction Plot Reported

• Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba reported a credible plot to abduct Mafinga South MP Faith Munthali.
• Kalaba urged authorities to immediately investigate the alleged plot and guarantee Munthali's safety, along with all elected leaders.
• The party also condemned the prolonged detention of opposition supporters, some held for 14 days without court presentation, as an abuse of the justice system.
• Citizens First highlighted concerns about the selective application and weaponization of the justice system under the UPND government, citing contradictions in its use of courts.
• The party's statement echoed concerns from UN Special Rapporteurs regarding Zambia's shrinking democratic space and called for the unconditional release of all political detainees.

Such practices, according to the party, constitute an abuse of the legal framework and signify a perilous trajectory towards the weaponisation of the justice system.

The Citizens First (CF) party has raised serious alarms, reporting credible intelligence regarding a plot to abduct its Member of Parliament for Mafinga South, Faith Munthali. This concerning development was brought to light by party leader Harry Kalaba, who issued a public statement urging immediate intervention from authorities to ensure the safety of the legislator.

The party's statement underscored the gravity of the alleged Zambia Faith Munthali abduction plot, calling for a swift and thorough investigation. Kalaba specifically appealed to the government to guarantee not only the security of Faith Munthali, the Mafinga South MP, but also that of all elected officials across the political spectrum, emphasizing the need for protection irrespective of party affiliation.

This revelation from the Harry Kalaba Citizens First statement highlights growing anxieties within Zambia's political landscape, pointing to potential threats against opposition figures. The party's immediate and public call for action reflects a deep concern for the personal safety of its representatives and the broader implications for democratic participation.

Beyond the immediate threat to Ms. Munthali, the Citizens First party also voiced profound disquiet over a broader trend of Zambian political intolerance and the alleged weaponisation of the justice system. Harry Kalaba cited recent reports detailing the arrests and prolonged detentions of opposition supporters, with some individuals reportedly held for up to 14 days without being presented before a court of law. Such practices, according to the party, constitute an abuse of the legal framework and signify a perilous trajectory towards the weaponisation of the justice system.

The party further condemned what it described as the UPND selective law application Zambia, pointing to a perceived hypocrisy in the ruling party's approach to legal processes. Citizens First highlighted that while the United Party for National Development (UPND) had previously prevented the validation of presidential election results by closing courts, it now utilizes the same judicial system to challenge the legitimacy of duly elected parliamentary candidates. This contradiction, the party argues, exposes a troubling pattern where expediency overrides principle, eroding public trust in judicial processes and fueling Zambia political detentions opposition.

Citizens First firmly believes that these actions are undermining public confidence in the integrity of the country's legal institutions. The party called for an immediate cessation of these practices, asserting that Zambia, a nation founded on democratic ideals and Christian values, must not regress into a system where the rule of law is applied selectively, thereby exacerbating political intolerance.

The concerns articulated by Citizens First resonate with observations made by international bodies, lending credence to issues previously raised by United Nations Special Rapporteurs regarding the shrinking democratic space in Zambia. The party's statement aligns with broader calls for the nation to uphold its foundational principles of democracy and respect for human rights, rather than allowing political maneuvering to dictate legal outcomes.

As a non-violent, democratic movement, Citizens First reiterated its commitment to equity, justice, and the dignity of all citizens, positioning the Zambian populace at the core of its mission. The party pledged to continue advocating for a governance system characterized by fairness, transparency, and accountability. In light of these escalating tensions, Citizens First called upon the UPND leadership to abandon what it termed hypocrisy in legal application and to uphold a consistent standard of justice for all citizens.

Furthermore, the party urged civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, and members of the clergy to actively speak out in defense of constitutional democracy, justice, and national unity, emphasizing that silence in the face of injustice only exacerbates the crisis. Citizens First concluded its appeal by asserting that Zambia’s future must be built on integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law, rather than being shaped by narrow, self-serving interests, and called for the unconditional release of all political detainees to foster dialogue and national cohesion.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Zambia should be aware of the reported trend of prolonged detentions without court presentation and the alleged weaponisation of the justice system, which signals increased legal and political risk. This could impact due process rights for clients, particularly those involved in political activities, and necessitates vigilance regarding human rights and rule of law adherence.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Revelation Zambia