The government rejected assertions that opposition politician Jobe Sikala was a political prisoner, saying instead that he had been convicted under the country’s laws for inciting violence and undermining peace and harmony in the country.
In a statement last night, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Genevan Musoir set the record straight, saying Mr Sikala’s arrest was carried out abroad in accordance with the law of the land.
The Minister also stressed that Mr Sikhala is not a political prisoner.
“Political crimes (and therefore political prisoners) must be distinguished from the activities and behavior of ordinary criminals. Mr. Sikhala was arrested and convicted under the laws of the country.”
Dr Musoire also said that no one is above the law and law enforcement officers will not be deterred from enforcing the laws of the land because the offender is political.
The minister said that the government had, in fact, allowed common citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, but when there was a need to intervene, it would not hesitate.
“The State will not be hampered in its efforts to allow its general citizens to enjoy all the fundamental human rights afforded to them by our Constitution by any individual or class of individuals by the spread of hate speech and incitement to violence.
“The courts convicted Mr. Sikhala of incitement to public violence, and he is therefore not a political prisoner,” he said.
The minister said that those who will be found on the wrong side of the law regardless of their political affiliations will be held accountable.
“Those who commit crimes will certainly have their day in court and the judiciary will rule without any fear or favour,” Minister Moswer said. Announce
