. Chanda

By AUSTIN KALUBA –
STATE House has challenged opposition United Party for National Development (UPND)  leader Hakainde Hichilema to substantiate his claim that there are political detainees in Zambian jails and Police cells.
In a telephone interview with QTV news monitored by the Sunday Times, the President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda said the UPND leader should disclose the number of political detainees who have been incarcerated in the last three years of President Edgar Lungu’s tenure.
Mr Chanda warned Mr Hichilema that he was not above the law and he can be arrested as many times as he breaks the law just like any other citizen.
He stated that Mr. Hichilema should not force State House to comment on matters that were before the Courts in which the opposition leader was appearing.
Meanwhile, Mr Chanda said President Lungu had not yet decided on whether Zambia should withdraw membership from International Criminal Court (ICC) or not.
Mr Chanda said as a lawyer, President Lungu was mindful that such a matter of national concern needed national consensus before a decision could be made on behalf of the people.
He stated that President Lungu would therefore, need an endorsement or objection from the Zambian people on whether Zambia should leave the ICC or not.
Mr Chanda said if need be, the Head of State may even extend ongoing consultations on this matter to Parliament before arriving on a decision.