Stop using youths in evil schemes, opposition told

OPPOSITION leaders must not place innocent youth’s lives in harm’s way by inciting them to protest on the streets, the Patriotic Front has said.

PF media director, Sunday Chanda expressed concern at the opportunist tendencies by some opposition leaders together with ‘bedfellows’ in civil society to incite youths into placing their lives and careers in harm’s way.

Mr Chanda appealed to the youth of Zambia, including musicians not to allow their genuine arguments and debate to be hijacked and poisoned by selfish politicians.

He said in a statement that if indeed the opposition leaders cared so much, they would have been on the streets protesting.

“We have noted yet again opportunist tendencies by some Opposition leaders together with bedfellows in civil society are seeking to incite Zambia’s youths into placing their lives and careers in harm’s way.

“The President is not against freedom of expression. He values it as a matter of right and law. Freedom of expression comes with responsibilities. Therefore, the exercise of these freedoms must be within the confines of the law, without veering into the muddy waters of Defamation and Libel,” he said.

Mr Chanda said the right to freedom of expression must continue to be enjoyed by citizens but with caution.

He challenged opposition leaders and the civil society to stop inciting innocent young people and instead take it upon themselves to protest on the streets.

“That is what anyone claiming courage would do instead of sacrificing innocent young lives,” said Mr Chanda.

Meanwhile, inspector general of police, Kakoma Nanganja has warned that police would deal sternly with law breakers.