ENFORCE LAW AGAINST HATE SPEECH, COPS TOLD
LAW enforcement agencies have been weak in enforcing the laws that bar individuals from using hate speech and language bordering on tribalism, despite the action being a criminal offence under the penal code, says Lusaka lawyer Hobday Kabwe.
The comment follows recent remarks by President Lungu that there was need for unity in the country and Zambians should avoid making tribal remarks and hate speech as they were a challenge to the country’s peace.
And Mr Kabwe said the expression of tribalism and hate speech which had recently become rampant in the country was illegal despite police failing to enforce the law.
He said chapter 7 of the Penal Code clause 70, bars any person from uttering any words or publishing any writing expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for any person or group of persons wholly or mainly because of his or their race, tribe, place of origin or colour.
He said any person who is guilty of the offence is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years
“Enforcement of this law has been quite poor, even though the act itself is quite common in Zambia, I can tell you that I have never come across a case in point during my practice,” Mr Kabwe said.
Mr Kabwe challenged police to up their game as there was an increase in cases of hatred and tribalism.
Meanwhile Zambia Direct Democracy (ZDDM) president Edwin Sakala said his party had previously written to the Inspector General of police over the inefficiencies in enforcing the law.
He said despite the calls by the opposition political party, tribalism and hate speech was tolerated by police especially on social media.
Mr Sakala said tribalism and hate speech was unlawful and unacceptable especially in a Christian nation like Zambia.
He said the challenge the Zambian political playing field had was that the political parties had similar manifestos and some people chose to be separated by tribe.
Mr Sakala said the current crop of politicians had elements that thrived on using derogatory language and hate speech.
“We are a Christian country and such laws that border on morality should be taken seriously, we do not need the Head of State to remind us,
“Some politicians are out in the open propagating hatred but no action is taken and these people are dividing the country and the division is contributing to our stagnation in developing,” he said.