from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – A LEGISLATOR believes it is necessary for Zambia to strengthen laws governing its cyber space in order to avoid genocide akin to one suffered by Rwanda.
Oliver Mumbuma Amutike, of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), spoke in Kigali, Rwanda where Zambia’s Parliamentary Committee on Planning and Budget was this past weekend to honour those killed during the genocide in 1994.
“For our nation to prevent a recurrence of the Rwandan genocide, it is the responsibility of its Parliament to strengthen laws, including those pertaining to cybercrime that encourage hate speech,” Amutike said.
He spoke at the event held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, where more than 250 000 Tutsis killed in the genocide are interred.
“Hate speech and insults must not be tolerated in our country,” the Mongu Central Member of Parliament said.
Coinciding with the MP’s sentiment, police and the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) announced the arrest of three individuals on charges of “harassment, utilising means of electronic communication contrary to the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act.”
The men aged between 27 and 34 have been arrested in the towns of Kalulushi and Kitwe.
“They remain in custody and will appear (in court) soon,” police spokesman, Rae Hamonga, said in a press briefing in Lusaka.
“Zambia Police and ZICTA strongly warn members of the public against the misuse of social media platforms to spread falsehood, incite violence and disseminate inflammatory content that threatens national unity and security.”
Hamonga spoke alongside ZICTA Acting Director General, Collins Mbulo.
Critics of President Hakainde Hichilema argue his government is using cyber security legislation to stifle opposition.
Hichilema, in power since 2021, signed and accented to the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bills last month.
– CAJ News