Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                     Zambia Police Deny Accusations of Bias

   by Peter Clottey

   Opposition and civil society groups accuse the Zambian police of bias
   and violating the constitution after clamping down on their rights to
   free speech and assembly as stipulated in the bill of rights.

   The groups said the police often use the controversial Public Order Act
   to suppress their meetings and their planned demonstrations against
   unfavorable government policies.

   They also said the police are to blame for the ongoing inter-party
   violence because of the preferential treatment they give governing
   Patriotic Party (PF) supporters.

   But the Zambia police say the Public Order Act underscores the
   importance of groups and political parties coordinating their planned
   activities with the police to ensure there is peace and stability. The
   law, police also say, regulates the holding of public processions or
   demonstrations.

   ''Charity Chanda, spokesperson for the police, says groups that plan to
   protest must notify the police at least 7 business days in advance.

   "People don't really understand the provisions of the Public Order
   Act," she said. "This law is actually very good when well followed and
   observed. ... You will find that there are some political parties that
   would not give the necessary notification period. ... You find that at
   times they will notify you two days before the day.

   "As Zambia police, we are also ready to apprehend and take to court all
   the perpetrators of violence. We are not just concentrating on
   political violence but also any forms of violence," Chanda said.

   Priests weigh in

   Chanda's comments came after the Catholic Bishops Conference called on
   the police to be impartial and to rise above partisan politics ahead of
   presidential, parliamentary and local elections.

   In an episcopal letter about the state of the nation, the priests said
   the enforcement of the Public Order Act has often been selective.

   Opposition parties say the priests' letter bolsters their stance that
   the police do the bidding of the PF by stifling their meetings.

   "Yes, we are aware that those concerns have come through, but to tell
   you the truth, as Zambian police we try to be as professional as
   possible," Chanda said. "When we joined the police, we were recruited
   as Zambians that are ready to serve the interest of the country, not
   the interest of any political party, and this is what people have to
   understand.

   "It's unfortunate that they are lining us up with certain parties, but
   as far as we are concerned, we are not partisan," she said. "We are
   civil servants and our interest is to serve the people of Zambia, [to
   protect] their lives as well as their property."
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/zambia-police-deny-accusations-of-bia
   s/3167295.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/zambia-police-deny-accusations-of-bias/3167295.html