13 Zambia CSO’s Petition Government on Freedom Violation

Thirteen civil society organizations in Zambia have expressed concern at what they describe as the “shrinking space for freedom of expression and assembly in the country”.

In a joint statement, the organisations say there is a “growing intolerance for dissent”.

The statement cites a number of violations, including the forcible arrest on Wednesday of vocal opposition figure Sean Tembo, who had his house broken into by police officers.

The statement says despite President repeatedly expressing commitment to safeguarding human rights and the rule of law, they are taken aback by some actions coming from his appointees.

The 13 organizations say recently, we have observed worrying trends with the failure by public authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, which are the bedrock of their democracy