Socialist Party president Fred M’membe has been arrested and charged for seditious practices.
The arrest has been confirmed by police spokesman Rae Hamoonga.
M’membe, aged 65, was formally charged in Lusaka today with the offence of seditious practices, contrary to Section 60(I)(C) as read with Section 60(I)(B) of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that on 16 July 2024, between 13:00 hours and 14:00 hours M’membe published an article on his X (Twitter) and Facebook pages titled “Tshisekedi tells DRC Catholic Bishops about the USD20 Million Payout to buy Zambia’s silence.”
The content of this article is alleged to have been intended to bring into hatred or contempt or to incite disaffection against the government as established by law.
M’membe is detained at Ibex Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon.
The police has reminded the public that the law will be applied firmly and fairly to all individuals, and any actions aimed at inciting hatred or disaffection against the government met with the appropriate legal measures.
