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Christian Democratic Party president, Dr. Daniel Pule, has filed a fresh petition in the Lusaka High Court seeking to halt his ongoing prosecution on charges of seditious practices, arguing that the case breaches his constitutional rights.
The petition, filed on November 3, 2025, challenges the validity of Zambia’s sedition laws, which he describes as outdated and incompatible with democratic governance. It follows an earlier petition that was dismissed in June for failure to prosecute.
In his affidavit, Pule identifies himself as a public figure and academic—professor of leadership and management, vice chancellor of Trinity University, chartered accountant, and former Bangweulu Member of Parliament.
He contends that his arrest and prosecution under Section 57(1)(b) as read with Section 60(1)(j) of the Penal Code constitute an abuse of state power and violate his rights to free expression and personal liberty.
The charges stem from remarks he reportedly made during a United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) press briefing on May 8, 2024, where he accused the government of favouring particular regions in public appointments.
The State alleges the comments were capable of promoting hostility between communities. Pule, however, insists his remarks were part of legitimate political discourse, stating: “My words were intended to encourage national unity and transparency, not division.”
He further claims that following his arrest on May 29, 2024, he was detained for eight days before being taken to court, which unlawfully restricted his freedom of movement, caused financial loss, and disrupted his academic and business activities.
Pule argues that the offence of sedition—an inherited British colonial law—is vague, archaic, and inconsistent with Zambia’s Bill of Rights, saying its continued application “criminalises legitimate political discourse” and stifles dissenting voices critical of those in power.
He is seeking a declaration that the sedition provisions under Sections 57(1)(b) and 60(1)(j) of the Penal Code are unconstitutional.
Pule also prays for the court to declare his eight-day detention unlawful, to restrain the State from effecting further arrests or prosecutions under the impugned provisions, to stay all related proceedings before the Lusaka Magistrate Court, and to award him damages for unlawful detention and loss of income.
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