Governance expert, Brebnar Changala, has strongly criticized the prosecution and sentencing of Lumezi Member of Parliament (MP) Munir Zulu, describing it as a misuse of the justice system for political purposes.
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Monday sentenced the independent MP to one year imprisonment with hard labour after he was found guilty of criminal libel.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Changala labelled the case as an example of “lawfare”, the strategic use of legal systems and institutions to silence or punish political opponents.
“This government is using state institutions like the police and the courts to unfairly persecute citizens and settle political scores,” said Mr. Changala.
He argued that the case should have been handled as a private civil matter, initiated by the individuals who were allegedly defamed, rather than by the state, especially given that the complainants did not appear in court during the trial.
“This government reacts to public opinion with police brutality and this is suppressing freedom of expression in society,” said Mr. Changala.
By Cynthia Lupiya.
