Christain Democratic Party condemns alleged disruption of ‘thanksgiving meeting’ by Hichilema govt

Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is concerned about the the continued deterioration of human rights in the country.

The party cited a selective application of the Public Order Act under President Hakainde Hichilema-led administration.

Dan Pule, leader of the party, said some of the violations were the cancellation of the planned Patriotic Front rally, arrest and detention of Pastor Charles Chileshya and the disruption of pastors meeting at the United Church of Zambia in Ndola as some of the disturbing scenarios.

Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, Pule called on President Hichilema to honour his election promise of repealing the Public Order Act.

“Without the selective application of the Public Order Act, the persecution of the church in Ndola would not have happened,” he said.

Pule accused Hichilema of having no intentions to repeal the Public Order Act because it was being used to persecute the former first family and preventing the opposition from freely holding their meetings like it happened in Lusaka and Kabwe.

He condemned the detention and arrest of Chileshya and the disruption of the pastors meeting at the United Church of Zambia in Ndola which was particularly disturbing.

“This meeting was organised as a thanks giving inter-denominational prayer meeting. We as a Christian Democratic Party, condemn the unjust detention and arrest of Chileshya and the interference of Hichilema’s government in church meetings through the police,” Pule said.

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He said it had never happened before that the church in Zambia should get a permit for a denominational prayer meeting regardless of the invited guests.

Pule reminded Hichilema that Zambians were fully aware of inter denominational meetings being held in different parts of the country where those connected with the ruling party are freely attending.

“We call upon the Zambian clergy and the church to remain united and stand together in the face of persecution by the apparent State Police of Hichilema’s regime,” he said.

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