FANNY KALONDA,
MARY LEMBA
Lusaka
STAKEHOLDERS have called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to uphold objectivity, fairness and accountability when commenting on matters of national interest, particularly the apprehension of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda.
They have questioned the approach taken by some CSOs in discussing Mr Banda’s apprehension and transfer from Mozambique to Zambia, arguing that human rights advocacy should be balanced with respect for the rule of law and the rights of all affected individuals.
Featuring on Crown TV’s Spotlight programme, democracy advocate Fabian Mutale accused some CSOs of hypocrisy for questioning the circumstances surrounding Mr Banda’s apprehension without adequately considering his alleged escape from lawful custody.
Mr Mutale said stakeholders should focus on ensuring that Mr Banda answers to the allegations against him through the judicial process rather than demanding details of the security agencies’ operations.
“It is time for JJ Banda to answer to his sins. The end does not justify the means, as long as his life is protected and his right to appear before the courts is protected,” he said.
He argued that while Mr Banda’s rights and safety should be protected, the law should also be applied where offences have allegedly been committed.
“As we stand now, according to our laws, JJ Banda should actually be charged with another offence of escaping from lawful custody,” Mr Mutale said.
He further expressed concern over what he described as Mr Banda’s use of online broadcasts to insult individuals, spread hate and issue threats, saying the rights of those allegedly targeted also deserve protection.
Mr Mutale urged stakeholders to approach the matter without contempt and allow the judicial process to take its course, maintaining that accountability and the protection of human rights should not be treated as mutually exclusive.
Similarly, United Party for National Development (UPND) national youth chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso called on CSOs to remain truthful and objective when commenting on national issues, saying their positions should be informed by facts rather than selective interpretations of events.
Mr Liswaniso questioned why some organisations are demanding explanations from Government over the circumstances surrounding Mr Banda’s apprehension when, in his view, they have not raised comparable concerns about his alleged escape from lawful custody.
He said CSOs should apply consistent standards of accountability when addressing issues involving the administration of justice, regardless of the individuals concerned. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home