Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:51:43 +0000
The Oasis Forum has condemned State House and government in general for trying to demonise and isolate the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and in particular its president James Banda for criticizing the growing lawlessness in the country.
It said that it was grossly unfair and highly divisive to disparage LAZ president James Banda because he does not act in his own capacity but on behalf of the association.
The Forum said it supported the position LAZ has taken the challenge the Public Order Act and the High Court of Zambia, this matter of the Public Order Act and Statutory Instrument No.33.
“We agree with LAZ that the way the PF Government is going about implementing the Public Order Act is both high-handed and “unreasonable” the Forum said.
“We are dismayed by statements aimed at LAZ as an organisation and in particular its president, Mr. James Banda. The President of LAZ, Mr. James Banda, speaks on behalf of the association and usually after wide consultation and deliberation by the various committees of LAZ. To vilify him in his individual capacity is therefore grossly unfair and highly divisive.
“As the Oasis Forum, we wish it to be known that we stand solidly with LAZ and fully support the stance taken by the association on several issues that are of concern to all well-meaning Zambians.
.The Forum conveners included Fr. Cleophas Lungu Secretary General for Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), Rev. Suzanne Matale General Secretary for Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) and Ms. Beatrice Grillo Chairperson, Non Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC).
They noted that the PF government is abusing the Zambia Police and infringing with impunity the freedoms of citizens and cited the recent arrest of the MMD leadership on the Copperbelt.
