LAZ says Public Order Act not being applied fairly

The Law association of Zambia (LAZ) says the Public Order Act is been applied unfairly by the police infringing upon those in opposition

LAZ also said it is concerned with the manner in which the Public Order Act is being applied by the police.

LAZ Council Member, Chishimba Kaela, says the unfair application of POA is not just unfair but very undemocratic.

Kaela said LAZ is, however, happy with the high court’s verdict on the Public Order Act, adding that the police have now been mandated to give proper reasons before denying anyone permission to hold public meetings.

Kaela said this during a public discussion held in Ndola yesterday to sensitise people on the implementation of the Public Order Act.

He also urged all those who are 18 and holders of National Registration Cards to vote ‘yes’ in the referendum.

Kaela said Zambians have been given a chance to enhance the Bill of Rights by voting ‘yes’ in the referendum.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission (HRC) Chief Officer – Information Education and Training – Mweelwa Muleya, revealed that his organisation organised the public forum calling all stakeholders in the electoral process following complaints by the stakeholders over the unfair application of the Public Order Act by the police.

Muleya said HRC is also concerned with the manner in which stakeholders have been failing to abide by the Public Order Act.

He said there is need to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and the protection of human rights.