Zambian authorities, on Monday, arrested and charged prominent ruling party MP, Chishimba Kambwili, with hate speech. He alleged to have told an Indian road worker that his occupation should be reserved for indigenous Zambians.

The Zambian government rebuked Kambwili after the incident was purportedly caught on video and went viral on social media last week.

Police spokesperson, Esther Katongo said in a statement that Kambwili was charged “with expression or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of race, tribe or place of origin.” The MP was denied bail and will appear in court on Tuesday.

Opposition leaders believe that President Lungu is using the legal process to suppress his critics.

Hichilema, who was arrested and charged with treason in 2017 after his convoy failed to stop for the Presidents’ own convoy, said the denial showed “Lungus’ authoritarian instincts.”

Kambwili faces up to two years’ jail if convicted.

ANNISA ESSACK

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