EU denies call for HH release

Sat, 20 May 2017 10:00:27 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO & CHINTU MALAMBO

THE European parliament has clarified that it has never demanded for the release of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema but instead has called for fairness, diligence, and transparency in the application of the law in the justice process.

And Kasama Central Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa says it was impossible for Zambians to believe that the EU could be so gullible as to easily fall for falsehoods being fed to it by enemies of the country.

According to the European Parliament joint motion, the EU had not called for the release of Mr. Hichilema but encouraged all
relevant political stakeholders to make use of constitutional and legal remedies, in line with interna-tional norms and standards, for the resolution of any dispute or differences
related to the election re-sults, and to do their utmost to safeguard peace and security.

The European Parliament has however called for the EU to continue monitoring the overall situation in Zambia closely and to make use of available political means through dialogue at the highest level to ensure that the conditions for the rule of law and democracy, an open political space, free institu-tions and respect for human rights were maintained.

“The EU has expressed its concern at the arrest and incarceration of Mr. Hichilema and insists on the need to ensure fairness, diligence and transparency at all times in the application of the law and all along the justice process; notes with concern reports of political motivation in relation to the charges, and therefore reminds the Zambian Government of its obligation to guarantee fundamental rights and the rule of law, including access to justice and the right to a fair trial, as provided for in the African Charter and in other international and regional human rights instruments.

“The Zambian authorities must conduct a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the al-leged ill-treatment suffered by Mr. Hichilema during his detention and to hold those responsible to account. All relevant political stakeholders must also make use of constitutional and legal remedies, in line with international norms and standards, for the resolution of any dispute or differences related to the election results, and to do their utmost to safeguard peace and the security of civil society,” reads the resolution in part.

And Mr. Sampa noted that the EU could not be so gullible as to fall for falsehoods being fed to it by
enemies of the country.

“We refuse to believe that the EU Parliament would be as gullible as to be moved by half-truths and cheap propaganda emanating from desperate men and women of questionable moral standing. We find it totally unacceptable that the EU Parliament would entertain a flawed motion, devoid of truthful facts,” Mr. Sampa said.