Opposition Economic Front party leader Wynter Kabimba has downplayed claims suggesting that democratic space and the freedom of expression have been infringed upon by the state.
Speaking when he featured on Radio Phoenix’s “Let the People Talk” program today, Kabimba said politicians and citizens continue to enjoy their right to express themselves but are also bound to substantiate their claims.
“Anybody can say anything here, and when they are told to explain, they are making a bit of sense and should come and explain to the police. Since you are not able to give evidence in public, maybe you can do so behind closed doors. Then you will hear people say democratic space is shrinking,” Kabimba said.
Kabimba stated that authorities are allowed to interrogate and apply the law to individuals who issue statements that exceed the limits of freedom of expression or slander other people.
“Freedom of expression is not only yours alone, and if you are going to make statements that injure the rights of another person, the state must come in and stop you, saying that you cannot go beyond that point even as you are free to express yourself,” he said.
To avoid the spread of lawlessness in the country, Kabimba believes that the citizenry must uphold high levels of discipline while authorities must ensure that the law is upheld and justice takes its full course for lawbreakers.
“I stand for discipline, and anybody who transgresses the law must be dealt with; otherwise, we will not have an orderly society,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kabimba has suggested that UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan’s visit to assess the state of freedom of opinion and expression may not yield accurate results regarding the state of affairs due to the current tense political atmosphere in the country.