Zambia politician arrested for 'defaming' President Lungu
Thursday August 29 2019
Zambia politician Chishimba Kambwili who has been arrested on allegations of defaming the president. PHOTO | COURTESY
Lusaka,
Police in Zambia have arrested opposition leader Chishimba Kambwili on accusations of defaming President Edgar Lungu.
He was arrested following a video that has gone viral in which the opposition leader is heard referring to government ministers, including President Lungu, in derogatory terms.
The offence of defaming the President carries a prison sentence of a maximum of three years.
Mr Kambwili, who was once a member of the governing Patriotic Front party before his dismissal and information minister, said his arrest is politically-motivated.
He spoke to reporters after appearing to answer to a contempt of court charge and was driven back to the police station.
Meanwhile, Mr Kambwili is also battling against the move to deregister his party, the National Democratic Congress.