By Sylvia Bwalya
Opposition political parties have said that they will not be intimidated by the governing Patriotic Front (PF) because their allegiance is to the people.
United Party for National Development (UPND) deputy spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa told the Zambian Eye that the opposition had resolved to work together to fight the growing hooliganism of the PF in the light of the arrest December 10 in Kitwe of MMD President Nevers Mumba, four MMD MPs and deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu.
They have all pleaded not guilty to unlawful assembly and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Mr. Mweetwa said the arrests were meant to instill fear in the opposition.
“The police also acted out of ignorance as they are supposed to obtain permission from the Speaker of the National Assembly before they can arrest any MP when the house is sitting,” he said.
He said contrary to the charge, the MPs had merely paid a courtesy call on Chief Nkana because they were in his area.
“I am sure there was nothing wrong with the decision by the law makers to pay a courtesy call on a traditional ruler, was there?” he said.
He said the opposition would continue to speak out because that was their duty.
He said the attempt by opposition MPs to have an audience with President Michael Sata was aimed at ending the constant intimidation of the opposition and said it was not fair for police to have blocked them.
On Tuesday members of the opposition attempted to march to State House and have a meeting with the President over the Kitwe arrests but were blocked by the police.