A FUGITIVE IS NOT A REFUGEE- State House Chief Communication Strategist Whitney Mulobela

Mulobela maintains that although human rights are fundamental to every individual, their exercise must be understood within a legal framework that recognises the responsibility of the state to protect public safety and enforce the law.

“Human rights must go hand in hand with responsibility and accountability, because no individual should use the protection of human rights as a justification for evading the due process of the law,” Mulobela argued.

He cited the case of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, who reportedly escaped from lawful custody while awaiting trial in the High Court on charges of attempted murder and aggravated robbery.

Mulobela further argued that Banda’s reported escape from custody and subsequent activities while on the run should be considered in the context of the outstanding criminal proceedings, while ensuring that all allegations are subjected to appropriate legal processes.

He also questioned the basis for treating Banda as a refugee, arguing that the absence of publicly available evidence establishing that he had been granted asylum or formally recognised as a refugee makes it important to distinguish his circumstances from those of individuals seeking international protection.

The communication strategist criticised Amnesty International’s demands for explanations surrounding Banda’s recapture, maintaining that human rights advocacy should also acknowledge the responsibility of authorities to apprehend suspects and ensure that they face justice through lawful procedures.

Mulobela further pointed to allegations that Banda had used online podcasts to issue threats and incite violence, including accusations relating to the assassination of a sitting President, stressing that such serious claims require proper investigation and judicial determination rather than being treated as proven facts.
UPND MEDIA TEAM