DEFENSE FORCES CAUTIONED

By KALOBWE BWALYADEFENCE forces must uphold the rule of law and balance up enforcement of lawful measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 against respect for human rights, Center for Constitutionalism and Legal Justice (CCONLEJ) Isaac Mwanza has advised. In an interview Mr Mwanza said the decision by President Edgar Lungu to allow the Defence forces to partner with the police to curb political violence was a welcome move. Mr Mwanza has called on the defence to fairly ensure lives of citizens are protected, large gatherings prevented while allowing citizens to enjoy their rights within the confines of the existing laws and regulations.He said the Zambia Police on their own have proven inadequate to deal with the two battles and bemoaned the continued violation of the COVID-19 health regulations.He said reckless politicians who are promoting large gatherings against the COVID-19 regulations have no justified reasons to cry foul when their freedom of movement and assembly is being restricted in the interest of public health and public safety.“While the constitution provides for freedom of movement and assembly, articles 21 and 22 of the Zambian constitution allows the imposition of restrictions when they are reasonably required in the interests of public safety, public order, and public health,” he said.And Mr Mwanza added that the framers of the constitution had envisaged a situation where public health would be in danger and some human beings would abuse freedom of movement and assembly to endanger the safety measures.He called on all citizens to adhere to public health guidelines and ensure that all lives are protected.“Zambia is currently confronted with two battles, one in which we must win against and stop the spread the COVID-19 and another where we must isolate these blood-thirsty cadres from our democratic process,” he said.