ConCourt fires warning shots

WE will not hesitate to cite anyone for contempt for launching attacks on the Constitutional Court, warns its president Hilda Chibomba.

Judge Chibomba noted with concern that while the presidential eligibility case was pending determination, several individuals were commenting on the same issue thereby jeopardising the reputation of the court.

She said this yesterday before delivering judgement in a matter that sought interpretation on whether President Edgar Lungu was eligible to contest the 2021 presidential election.

Judge Chibomba said the court had been reluctant in taking appropriate action against such individuals because it promoted free speech.

However, it would not spare anyone who would launch attacks on it again.

“We have noted with concern that while the matter was still in court, several individuals were commenting in a manner that will bring disrepute to the integrity of this court. This court has been tolerant even when people launched attacks and that is in order to promote free speech,

“However, free speech does not entail that people can just go about jeopardising the integrity of this court. We render a timely warning that those who engage in attacks do so at their own peril as they will be charged with contempt of court. Take this as a timely warning,” Judge Chibomba said.