U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has written to President Edgar Lungu regarding the imprisonment of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Amid court proceedings against Mr. Hichilema beginning Tuesday and reports that his health is deteriorating in prison, Senator Cardin also raised his case at a briefing with reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday, urging Mr. Hichilema’s release from prison and that he be treated in accordance with Zambian law.
In his letter to President Lungu, Senator Cardin noted, “Zambia is one of Africa’s most established democracies, with a long tradition of political pluralism, respect for human rights and democracy, and peaceful resolution of conflict. I am concerned that Mr. Hichilema’s detention signals the potential closing of political space in your country.”
“I urge you to take proactive steps to bring an end to politically motivated arrests, and ensure that officials who engage in such actions are held accountable in accordance with Zambian law. I also hope that you and all political actors will exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and follow due process, as expected by the Zambian people,” Senator Cardin continued.
The full text of Senator Cardin’s letter follows:
Dear President Lungu:
I write with concern about the detention of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in the wake of the raid on his residence on April 10, and urge you to ensure that he is treated humanely, in accordance with the rights put forth in the Zambian constitution and the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights, to which Zambia is a signatory.
Zambia is one of Africa’s most established democracies, with a long tradition of political pluralism, respect for human rights and democracy, and peaceful resolution of conflict. I am concerned that Mr. Hichilema’s detention signals the potential closing of political space in your country.
During last year’s general elections, the Independent Broadcasting Authority suspended licenses for three broadcast stations and raided a newspaper, ostensibly for non-tax compliance. There were also arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders and journalists.
The most recent State Department Country Report for Human Rights indicates that your government has only taken “selective and halting steps to prosecute or punish officials who committed these abuses, targeting mostly those who opposed the ruling party.” I urge you to take proactive steps to bring an end to politically motivated arrests, and ensure that officials who engage in such actions are held accountable in accordance with Zambian law. I also hope that you and all political actors will exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and follow due process, as expected by the Zambian people.
Lungu is the most scared president in Africa, imwe inga tamwaishiba!!
A senator is the same as Stephen Masumba
Ignore this MAN
HH must be tried and join the other 158
There is TWO CASES of treason here
The political midgets like this senator are asking for us to sweep this under the carpet
Nonsensical
We have our own jurisdictions and will deal with the law as we see fit
I am 27 so I know what I am talking about
Thanks
BB2014,2016
RB told lungu that he will handle USA… Now you see, even kalaba is hiding, kampyongo is blowing his nose now.. Mpyooooo, things are not looking good
Shammah Bushiri’s prophecy will soon be fulfilled.
@mushota
Find yourself a Tonga bull to ride you hard and long, I promise you, you will look at life with appreciation not that muzungu of yours who has small non functional lollipop
Well, the 1991 return to multiparty or democracy made headlines and to just come and return this country to one party state inter-alia dictatorship is worrisome. The achievements made in consolidating our democracy have all but been wiped out by this regime. We will not forget this as the growing generation. We have witnessed what it means to leave the country in the hands of lowly educated people. Suddenly the police have become a party vigilante wing arresting citizens for divergent views and cooking up all sorts of stories on them. Cry my beloved country!!
Mushota it does not matter if he is the same as Stephen Masumba, he is still an official in th U.S.A govt. Unlike you my friend who was even denied being a stripper coz of your caster semanya kind of looks
@ Mushota you must be on heat. *****
The Free World should not stand by while a dictator is flexing his muscles. If Americans and the British learnt anything from the rise of Hitler and other despots like Mugabe is that the earlier you nip their growth in the bud the cheaper it will be all around. People do not have to die and economies collapse. Please help Zambians to stop Lungu in his tracks while little damage has been done. It is now or never.
Ka Mushota,
I thought you referred to Zambia as your country .Now you are saying “we should ” which means you are recognising yourself as one .
THE SENATOR SOUNDS ELITE BUT IGNORANT AT OUR OWN LAWS – HE IS CONTRADICTING HIMSELF
=======================================
Our laws were used to incarcerate HH not American Laws. HH has rights to his medical aid and he has full access to his Doctor. The said remandee endangered the life of the president. Is this senator one of VJ’s friends that ECL was talking about? He sounds extremely ignorant about what is obtaining in the country, our laws and circumstances leading to HH’s arrest. Yes give HH medicare but let him face the law. We are interested to seeing if the accused really committed treason. If not, he will be a free citizen again. That’s the Rule of Law now! No one is saying HH is guilty or Innocent. Let the law take its course, please!
Hakainde is not being detained without charges like used to be during KK time under the Preservation of Public Security Act. Ask VJ
HH is being treated humanely, with full access to his attorneys, and medical attention. He’s also been appearing in courts when most remandees don’t get such court appearance priorities.
I am interested in seeing justice being done. If he committed no offense, the courts will free him
Why are people calling for HH to be released without being accorded a chance to prove his innocence while at the same time want the dismissed petition to be heard?
You can’t have it both ways
I am just waiting for one Empty Tin like Father Bwalya to ask – who the USA is?…forgetting who is funding those $400m sewer works in Lusaka.
A senator is just like an MP in Zambia with no real muscle. Ignore him and let the law run its course.
From HH’s fellow masonic friend. So, what do you expect?
He must concentrate on taking guns out of the street, there are killings on the streets every hour – that is an international concern and not HH case.
Thanks for mentioning that ‘he be treated according to the Zambian law’, well thats what HE EL is doing.
Most Zambian do not understand the power of the Senate in the US government. Read the American Constitution. Stop being lazy!
Ba Mushota bali shota
Senator mind your own business. Why don’t you write to Trump to stop all the injustices happening in America right now!
Thank you Senator. Please notify President DJ Trump to play his music on this illegal president. Lungu you are in hot water. If I were you I would just let the petition be heard. You are accumulating more problems for yourself. You ending will not be good.
1plus1 – you are right Zambians are lazy…you have one here comparing a US Senator to an MP..this selfsame Senator has further stated thst he will present the matter in Congress.
I advised here that PF messed up arrested that man on trumped up charges especially that Mutati is flying back and forth to Washington begging for loans….really laughable…then you have the imbeciles in UPND who have been distracted by PF as they have no focus at this moment they have no President or Vice.
Zambians thinks this is getting easy as usual just used to throw comments on LT. I think for US to speak its getting hotter very soon trump will also speakout to warn PF.
Stoopid senator. Concentrate on the Mexican wall.
And American police brutality
What the senator does not know is that HH is already being and will be treated accordingly with the Zambian Law.
Edgar Lungu is not like this senator’s president, Mr Trump who makes orders that go against the law.
Trump is busy violating the American law back in America and this senator wishes to teach Lungu how to respect the Zambia law.
And of all the people, why a senator – speaking in his capacity for that matter, saying I have concerns over the arrest of HH.
Many of us have concerns about America’s current leadership style and actions, eg the desire to build a wall between America and Mexico.
We also have a concern over Trump’s orders regarding foreign nationals, which is is total violation of the American law.
I urge the senator to tell Trump to follow the American law in dealing with national and international matters, and to respect the rule of law.
That diplomatic language is beyond PF lot. Put simply Amos, it implies failure to change will result in Zambia being isolated by the international community and Zimbabwe situation will be child play. Hopefully, you change before you punish more poor Zambians. And stop that nonsense of OMO to control inflationary pressure, you are sending many people to bed with no meals.
@ 1.24 Sad to be Zedian,
You Zambian being isolated by the international community??
Which international community when just yesterday UK was confirming it’s recognition of the presidency of ECL and urging every zambian to recognise and respect him and respect the rule of law..
This means the UK, the Commonwealth, all African regional groupings and the EU are not amused with opposition HH’s behaviour.
Democracy does not mean anarchy and disrespect for the rule of role, but instead upholding the rule of law is the greatest tenet of democracy.
Trump’s approach is not what democracy demands, crushing with the constitution from day one; and that is where lectures must come from??? Joke!!
Thank you for speaking out but give us time to learn from our on politics. Zambia is a sovereign nation.
Wow! Your thinking is toilet like
And this !d!ot Edward Mwansa has no idea about how to hide himself, blogging with true ID…Easy to hunt, he must have been fed with polonium
Zambia is a sovereign nation only when it suits the PF Government. How should we start re-learning this thing called democracy when we were the peace bearers of the third World? Refuges from as far as Eastern Europe and the Middle east were seeking a peaceful life here from political persecution in their own countries.
yaba, aba nabo, ati sovereign but you are always running to these same people for aid. Insoni ebuntu ba mudala.
How much time do we need? It has been more than 50 years, do we still need to learn and tell people to keep their advice? Mutton head
So people still continue with this illusion that Zambia is a Sovereign state !! The thing that Buffles and irritates me with the PF sympathisers … is that as much as the charge may be in accordance with the law..it still remains that the manner in which the arrest was effected was completely shambolic and not reflective of a country that claims to follow the rule of law. This is an undeniable fact. You cannot be making judgements based on the case being in court .. was the process properly followed? and the answer is a BIG NO.
Lungu! Sit down and listen!!! Don’t drink your beer standing
What the senator does not know is that HH is already being and will be treated accordingly with the Zambian Law.
Edgar Lungu is not like this senator’s president, Mr Trump who makes orders that go against the law.
Trump is busy violating the American law back in America and this senator wishes to teach Lungu how to respect the Zambia law.
And of all the people, why a senator – speaking in his capacity for that matter, saying I have concerns over the arrest of HH.
Many of us have concerns about America’s current leadership style and actions, eg the desire to build a wall between America and Mexico.
We also have a concern over Trump’s orders regarding foreign nationals, which is is total violation of the American law.
I urge the senator to tell Trump to follow the American law in dealing with national and international matters, and to respect the rule of law.
Which Zambian law is he referring to? Our law states that all law breakers should be brought to? He conveniently did not talk about the offenses those arrested committed. Let’s us all respect the law.
You are a wise man Sir
Thanks
BB2014,2016
Very wise observation. So what is the problem here! The arrests are under the law so what is he saying?
The brutal arrest of raiding a home in the middle of the night is and can never be lawful. Only a criminal or a terrorist can be treated like that. HH has always availed himself to law enforcement agencies once summoned. Stop being cadres and think rationally dear colleagues.
@Lezgee, even the Americans did not trash Osama bin Laden’s home like Lungu has done with HH’s. It is pure envy and jealousy that Lungu is not popular as HH is.
What about Kaiser Zulu? Is he not
A law breaker? Lungs refused deliberately to surrender powers to thethe
People let’s try to be objective when it comes to serious national issues. We need to use the’power’ of the keyboard to serious discuss issues above party cadre beer tavern banter.
We all know that tinpot dictators hide under the ‘law’ to target and arrest their political opponents by unleashing law enforcement officials to do their dirty work. All while they and their minions and cadres break the same ‘law’ with impunity. Look what’s happening in Zambia today and tell how this law seems to only be used against political opponents while it is blind to the criminal activities being committed by the PF.
What kind of treason is:
1) he wanted to declare himself president (but I didn’t);
2) endangered the life of the president with intention to usurp power;
The so called…
continue reading…
The so called ‘overt acts’ are all speculative / fiction.
And for your info, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is quite powerful, perhaps more powerful than the president on foreign matters as it is a nonpartisan congressional oversight committee. These committee have the power to order an investigation on the POTUS, and subpoena just about anyone in the govt, including military generals. And you have seen the like of Senator John McCain making calls on despot dictators to step down. So this senator has every right and great power to comment (‘sovereignty’ my a$s).
Economist its the manner in which the arrest was done it was utterly not in line with our own laws. Would you like the same to be applied to you when you are a citizen appearing before the courts on other charges and u have never missed a court case with a known fixed abode in Zambia only to be arrested in the Manner HH was ?? You are the Baboons that the white man has always referred to, that is, if this is the life you choose to Live.
I totally agree.
What the senator does not know is that HH is already being and will be treated accordingly with the Zambian Law.
Edgar Lungu is not like this senator’s president, Mr Trump who makes orders that go against the law.
Trump is busy violating the American law back in America and this senator wishes to teach Lungu how to respect the Zambia law.
And of all the people, why a senator – speaking in his capacity for that matter, saying I have concerns over the arrest of HH.
Many of us have concerns about America’s current leadership style and actions, eg the desire to build a wall between America and Mexico.
We also have a concern over Trump’s orders regarding foreign nationals, which is is total violation of the American law.
The man has a definite huge log in his eye, and he wants to use the same eye to sot a suspected speck in his friend’s eye.
I urge the senator to tell Trump to follow the American law in dealing with national and international matters, and to respect the rule of law.
@Advice, mate Trump is being stopped and kept in check by the independent judges in the USA. There’s definitely no comparison to this circus of a joke happening here. The amount of checks and balances in the USA is pretty good. Get off your Lungu coolaid and open your eyes to reality.
Worth reflecting on. We need to collaborate and not inflict fear in those that oppose us. Zambia is for all of us. However, respect for those that govern us must not be ignored.
People with sensitive egos like Lungu should not be in politics. Politics is not about respecting authority. If you want that go and create your own kingship or chiefdom where your serfs can kowtow to u all day long.
Just imagine if Lazy was RB or Mwanawasa, when Sata was in opposition…Lazy would have eliminited him as Sata would get under someone’s skin.
ba Senator sit down. Chalo chesu. U don’t hear us writing to Trump over North Korea or Syria. Mind yours, we mind ours. Mxxxii
If it is your chalo, get the hell out of state house and go back to Luapula. Your village rules do not apply in running a country.
whatever you say, just know that the world is watching your country because Zambia is the mirror and example of a young Democratic country.
Ilyashi lya pa nsaka.
But we are really looked down upon by these guys. A senator(MP) commanding the President?? What insipid folly. Think of it a Zambian MP commanding USA -President? Man , what was your good intention has been diluted by your lack of respect for our President. You should have asked your President Trump to talk to Lungu. Not you MP in the USA? Please have respect.
I suggest you put that in writing to the USA ambassador and deliver your letter to the embassy.
That’s what you get when your broke ass President flexes his puny muscle. A senator will deal with Zambia while Trump deals with Africa.
Because an MP in Zambia has to bootlick the president unlike in the other societies.
Because a president/Prime Minister does not have unbridled power like in Zambia.
Because the President in Zambia and his “hands” cannot with impunity “rape” the constitution and get away with it, like it is in Zambia
Because human rights are seldom infringed upon.
That is the difference between a Senator and an MP
Iyi a problem ifwe twakwata. A US Mp or permanent secretary will tell off our president and we will be laughing. Are we still slaves. No. This senator should have have known that this matter was receiving attention more than other cases for poor inmates. The bottom line is that abasungu we give them leeway to treat us the way they do. Imagine they sold us in multitudes all they tell us is to forget it is history. Let us handle this case like we are supposed to do chapwa. Whites whether you like it or not just want to use us blacks for their personal gains. Even in this case it is the same.
Mushota you are calling a senator of one of the most powerful countries in the world and one of zambias biggest benefactors …a political midget…
As much as this site is monitored by OP i can assure you the USA also monitors this site.
Thank you…” 27 year-old i know what I am talking about.”…….for embarrassing Zambia,
We comment about Malawi, SthAfrica, Namibia, Botswana so miss maturity think before you blog in future
Age doesnt give wisdom and you are a classic example
Get lost,
Zambian law is what he has been charged on and the man is a novice at it
You are a tool to know that ofcourse
In USA he is a giant and knows what he is saying.
Thanks
BB2014,2016
Keep your comments to yourself where you are Cardin. Zambia is a sovereign state and we do not need your petty interference in our politics. What do these Neanderthals want from Zambia?
Aren’t these the mercenaries and Neo-Colonialist Capitalists to whom Hadolf Hitler (HH), Scott Mmembe Inc auctioned our country prior to the elections?
Ben Cardin Musa taniyo focus on North Korea!
Ask libya, Iraq, syria etc if they are not sovereign states.
“…What do these Neanderthals want from Zambia?…”
You get $500 million per year in aid from them. Expect critiscisim.
You just a big pf cadre with no brains
Under Lungu’s PF, Zambia has evidently deteriorated in so far as rule of law is concerned. Its amazing that he is supposed to be a Lawyer who should know better.
Lazy is not a good lawyer as he was barred by LAZ …no reputable company today would employ him with that record as the evidence is there to see in corruption in his govt. Its like employing an alcoholic to manage your bottle store and expecting to succeed.
Ignorance is very bad
What the senator does not know is that HH is already being and will be treated accordingly with the Zambian Law.
Edgar Lungu is not like this senator’s president, Mr Trump who makes orders that go against the law.
Trump is busy violating the American law back in America and this senator wishes to teach Lungu how to respect the Zambia law.
And of all the people, why a senator – speaking in his capacity for that matter, saying I have concerns over the arrest of HH.
Many of us have concerns about America’s current leadership style and actions, eg the desire to build a wall between America and Mexico.
We also have a concern over Trump’s orders regarding foreign nationals, which is is total violation of the American law.
The man has a definite huge log in his eye, and he wants to use the same eye to sot a suspected speck in his friend’s eye.
I urge the senator to tell Trump to follow the American law in dealing with national and international matters, and to respect the rule of law.
And what the senator should be doing now is to arrange for leadership exchange meetings between Trump and Lungu.
Lungu respects the rule of law and respects the Zambian constitution and the Judiciary, while Trump started violating the American constitution from day one.
So Trump has a lot to learn from Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Thus, the leadership exchange meetings will be very helpful to Trump. Actually, am being diplomatic to say exchange – it Will just be teaching session handled by ECL.
Mr. Senator, your friend is being treated properly and in accordance with the Zambian Laws. In fact he is being handled as though he is not a suspect. All suspects in Zambia are loaded in a Kasalanga when taking them to courts of Laws. But your friend has been given a special Landcruiser and is even able to do postings on his facebook.
We have enough laws just like you have enough laws in USA. 2 days ago, your government carried out executions. Hon. Kalaba never wrote Trump because executions are within USA Laws. Just like this one, we are treating him in line with our Laws.
By the way, how did you know his name? Were you together in Primary School in Dundumwezi?
Some of you think this is funny, huh? Where are you getting your loans from?
Welcome to the high stakes game?
You just a big pf cadre with no brains
This man should also write to H.H that he should respect law of the land not writing on one sided. Mr President respect the law of the let him if found guilty should the law. Nothing to be intimidated be strong Mr President. This is a sovereign land no should control Zambia. Let him also write to Trump on mistreating Muslims.
Which President naimwe? Lungu the drunkard. You make me laugh
I dont recognise Lungu as my President? He stole
This man should also write to H.H that he should respect law of the land not writing on one sided. Mr President respect the law of our land and let him be jailed if found guilty. Nothing to be intimidated be strong Mr President. This is a sovereign land no one should control Zambia. Let him (Senator) also write to Trump on mistreating Muslims.
Please send Senator Cardin the movie HH created in Mongu (Motorcade saga) perhaps he will give it to Hollywood for RAMBO to create a movie that we can watch. The Americans are ashamed in their pants to decide for other nations anymore following the injustices there leader is doing to immigrants, Africans included. Shame on you Mr Cardin!!! As Zambians we are only answerable to our Creator… the Almighty GOD.
@Stanley Laban,
LOL- What? Send you tube video clips to senator Bardin? Clearly you don’t know that YouTube is an American video-sharing website headquartered in San Bruno, California.
And you claim you are answerable to the Almighty God? Well, may the Almighty God do unto you personally as you wish for and do unto HH personally, his family and all detained with him on trumped up charges.
Brabus; start with HH and let him humble himself and accept that our Almighty GOD reigns on anything on earth and he will be okay. He avoided all well meaning NATIONAL PRAYERS called to harness peace in this country. Now that our Almighty GOD has answered the prayers, no one can change that. Our GOD is a loving GOD.
U thk God listened to those fake national prayer, zambia is going backwards with pfools
Since when did a Senator start poking his nose in Sovereign States like ours? Does it mean that he is supporting what HH and his donkeys did to President Lungu in Mongu? Doesn’t this man realise that the President’s life was in danger, intentionally and knowingly caused by HH? Please show the Senator the video clip and lets hear his views thereafter. Can President Trump allow such to him? Lets be real, HH committed a very serious crime and the least the Senator could have done is to counsel HH and the UPND.
Zambia is a peaceful nation and shall remain so and those that want to disturb this will get the message loud and clear. I think the Senator should retract his letter to our President without delay.
If you live in a glass house don’t throw stones and if you cant take blows…
@Mampolio,
LOL – If you have evidence to show that HH did anything treasonable in Mongu, please please please hand it over to State prosecutors. The State prosecutors have NO EVIDENCE to support their allegations thus far. The You tube video clips do not show any admissible evidence to support a treason case. Period. If you are withholding evidence is an offence.
You talk of being a sovereign state yet you can not balance your budget or clean your own sewer systems…really shameful…where do you think that donor money comes from?
I see a lot of stupidity here from ignorant bloggers. Which law are you claiming to follow, if you can arrest someone for theft and when the court asks you to bring evidence, you change and claim that he wanted to steal. If he wanted to steal, why did you arrest him for theft in the first place? A serious Judge will order for the prosecutor’s brain test at Chainama.
I have just been informed by a colleague in the USA that the Senator is a fellow Freemason and you people in Zambia will now know where this is coming from.
More like Bowman Lusambo writing to Trump asking for the release of the Guantanamo Bay prisoners or his Tax Return. #IfintuNiTreason
Did the senator also wish the opposition leader dead? lol
What a comparison! Please!
You mean MP Bowman who is allowed to go with fellow ministers on a free two week course paid for by the Chinese govt.
@9.1 Mushota,you’re right its the same political midgets like this senator who cause confusions and wars in Africa because of their careless and unedited statements.Am sure he’s ignorant about sovereignty and Zambian laws.It can help for him to google about our laws or just to shut his ugly mouth.
Well put GM.
Thanks
BB2014,16
but this is the trump guy been talked about?
anyway your man is being treated according to local laws apart from pepper spread on private parts
Zambia is now facing governance failure. Wickedness has taken over!
Thank you Senator. Hopefully he will hear you. He has so far listened to no one.
These PF empty tin beggers have created an even bigger mess…next the US will send their Ambassdor to visit HH in prison who will be refused entry and turned away. They are forgetting that Mutati is in Washington looking for $1.7 Billion…really laughable.
Mushota go back to Zambia if you support PF that much, stop talking nonsense and think like a grown up. If you think what happening is right I doubt your integrity.
Zulu I support no party.
I’m merely a seeker of justice and the truth.
Thanks
BB2014,16
Look at the caption of the picture and you will gauge the authenticity of this story.
Zambians, if it is not signed, dont take it as gospel truth.You must learn to stand up to anyone. When the so called big brother was accusing iraqi president Hussein of having WMD’s we were meant to believe but alas, it has turned out to be a lie hence another big brother Russia, wants to put this nonsence america wants to check
Gospel truth? I am sure you also assume everything in the White man’s bible is the truth.
WOW HH told you he was talking to TRUMP u were refusing, he called yesterday when he was in court as he was talking to family members at break time, but the GPS location showed COURT hence this senator picked the call, more to come wait for HH release muzanya elo kaza bwela HOT he wont say anything with regard to him being prisoned but will advocate for PETITION to be heard and he will repeat that ECL is not recognised by his party as a captain for zambia
@26 Anyoko, USUALLY SUCH INTERFERENCE JUST CAUSE HARM TO THE PERSON THEY INTEND TO HELP! Look at what happened to TSHIVANGIRAI! He was over supported by the West to a point of being perceived a WESTERN STOOGE! WHERE IS NOW? The ONLY PROBLEM HERE IS THAT PF ARE VERY DISORGANIZED TO MOUNT UNDERGROUND MANEUVERS TO EXPLAIN THIS SITUATION PROPERLY AND BUILD COALITIONS OF SUPPORT FOR THEMSELVES BUT….yaaaa! OTHERWISE THE SENATOR SHOULD KNOW THAT THE LAW IS BEING FOLLOWED!!
Senator Cardin’s letter shows unbridled bias. Here is where the Senator gets it wrong:
I write with concern about the detention of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in the the wake of the raid on his residence on […]. END OF QUOTE.
The lawmaker should instead have written: […] IN THE WAKE OF HIS OBSTRUCTING THE PRESIDENTIAL MOTORCADE […]
The world needs to understand that our dear HH did close the trap door on himself when he tested the law to its limit. Only a few days after the Mongu episode, the MAST quoted him as saying: “WE ARE CLOSE TO GETTING TO STATEHOUSE.”
Refer to The MAST of 11 April, 2017 headlined WE ARE CLOSER TO GETTING INTO STATE HOUSE, HH TELLS MONGU RESIDENTS.
At the same forum, GBM was quoted: IN AS FAR AS WE ARE CONCERNED, HH IS THE PRESIDENT.
The declaration…
You, sir, hit the nail DEAD CENTRE on the head!! SPOT ON!!
Cont./-
This declaration followed up the Limulunga road delinquency and provided the state with the context within which to interpret the ‘obstruction’ and thus intention was imputed to what otherwise might have been a mere omission. A tamed (silent) tongue does not betray its owner.
Is Zambia not a sovereign state where there are laws that should be followed by all its citizens! How come outsiders are in the forefront dictating what our President should do, is that democracy! But we are really looked down upon by these guys. Is a senator not just an MP who has guts to command our President? Think of it a Zambian MP commanding the USA President!! Our good intention has been diluted by your lack of respect for our President. You should have asked your President Trump to talk to President Lungu.
@ VYAKULOLAVYE,
When Zambia’s money lenders see that the rule of law under which they lent Zambia the money is not being followed, they have are under obligation to stand up and point out the deviation they see. That is because the owners (Tax payers) of the money they have lent to Zambia require them to do so. Failure to that, they are voted out by tax payers in their respective Countries. As simple as that.
Stop begging money from other countries taxpayer then call yourself a Sovereign State.
If anyone has evidence to show that HH did anything treasonable in Mongu, please please please hand it over to State prosecutors. The State prosecutors have NO EVIDENCE to support their allegations thus far. The You tube video clips do not show any admissible evidence to support a treason case. Period. If anything, the clips exonarate HH from such an allegation.
If anyone is withholding credible evidence is an offence.
A MASON speaking for a mason.
Then don’t ask for their loans.
I am sure that if that guy was Zambian you would have called him a UPND cadre.
ys, tell them to keep their $750 million per year we don’t need it. We are just fine, everything is fine. GOD will provide everything because he favours thieves
Two wrongs don’t make right.
Is it democracy to force the president to break the law by interfering in the judiciary? Is it bcoz his business partner is on the wrong side of the law that the president should release him? Mr senate plz, judiciary in Zambia is independent..! Not sure of American judiciary..! You are the same people busy forcing others to uphold the rule of law but u want our president not to follow the rule of law simply bcoz your business partner is a suspect. America America America..plz give us space to govern ourselves..!
@munene,
Please enlighten us:- What treasonable offence did HH commit in Mongu that he should be detained? Do you have any admissible evidence?
Another donkey’s friend. Let them keeping on barking until they vomit blood. 3/4 if not the all Zambia is in support of you Mr. President, let them mind their on business in their various countries where they pretend as if all is well with them. Why kuleta mulomo kuno have they failed to control Trump?
@lemba,
LOL – When Zambia’s money lenders see that the rule of law under which they lent Zambia the money is not being followed, they have are under obligation to stand up and point out the deviation they see. That is because the owners (Tax payers) of the money they have lent to Zambia require them to do so. Failure to that, they are voted out by tax payers in their respective Countries. As simple as that. Which part of this statement of fact don’t you understand?
You worship senator whatever, at your age and as a seasoned senator, you know that what happens in America, is for America and the American people. Equally, what happens in Zambia is for Zambia and the Zambian people. We understand that, you are the people who benefited from the atrocious acts of privatization, which your friend HH and the group handled carelessly. The country ( Zambia ) is in great problems Economically and Financially because of HH and his group, who after you milked them with Dollars ended up selling the birth rights of the Zambian people. You will all pay. GOD IS WATCHING.
But Americans fund your small budget so they are shareholders…whether you like it or not when you start cleaning your own soiled pants you can complain.
Due process of the law!
I would love to see printable copy if the Senator’s sentiment. Not what my eyes have been exposed to.
Mwanya, once the USA starts squeezing you, you will diarrhoea like Zimbabwe. Continue ukutumpa.
And why should they do that? But even then what has Zambia benefited from the US apart from enriching individuals who are working for their NGOs…..poverty is in leaps and bounds and there is no sign of US presence! If you go to Dundumwezi there is no sign of America there! I hope you won’t say IMF is America.
Well said senator, we are tired of telling our president to stop being partial in the dissemination of Justice in our nation. But so far no one can say anything contrary to what he wants or risk either to be arrested or fired if he is in govt. Keep pressurizing him so that we can see positive.
It is a good letter, It is arguing the President to treat HH in accordance with the laws of the land.
The good thing dear senator is that what you have asked for is what is happening. HI IS being treated in accordance with the laws of Zambia, not USA where HH would have died by now
Lungu is in serious problems. This why he wants to look like he working by doing work ministers are doing. Now the world has taken note of illegitmacy. I would strongly urge you to go to let the petition be heard and defend your legitmacy if indeed you are legitmate.
“Respect the rule of law and follow due process, as expected by the Zambian people”.
Senator Ben Cardin,
Thank you, for standing up for Zambian people.
Analysis on certain contraversial topics from refined analysts the likes of the Mwinelubemba the Chitimukulu is what a curious man like me definitely needs . The issue of RULE of LAW is not being clarified every time comments are made both from foreign and local commentators especially on recent events in Zambia. I’m wondering whether it’s deliberate concealment of its real meaning or just the common Oblivion of facts about our own systems. But what prompts people like senator Ben Cardin to just make unqualified comments about such important issue is what baffles me.. Is he also without substantial indepth understand of the Rule of Law? Upholding human rights outstands all other issues in all comments from those who perceive that those close to the corridors of power are abusive…
34.1 @ Brabus – If we borrow it does not mean that we should be controlled by the lender? There is terms and conditions accompanying that, so it does not mean that we should be slaves when we borrow after all we are paying with interest. It is their tax payer’s money also it is our tax payers money which will pay the loan. We have an obligation to pay back now tell me how do we pay back when we are busy doing tang of war among ourselves just because someone lost the elections. No respect for the Head of State, burning of buildings so to you the government should turn a blind eye to these? Is not the same borrowed money which was used to build? The lender should even help us to catch the wrong doers than telling us to let them scotch free. As for being voted out even PF will be voted…
@lemba:
Your initial question @34 was:- “Why kuleta mulomo kuno?”
Good you now understand and agree the money lender (Senator Bardin) is under obligation to stand up and point out the deviation from rule of law they see, on behalf of American taxpayers. Slavery? I don’t understand how slavery comes into the picture…
Now you have changed tone and you are saying “…The lender should even help us to catch the wrong doers…”
So my question to you is:- Where is the evidence to show that HH did anything treasonable in Mongu, The State prosecutors have NO SUCH EVIDENCE to support that allegations thus far. The You tube video clips do not show any admissible evidence to support a treason case. Period. If anything, the clips exonerate HH from such an allegation. So why are you supporting…
Cont’d. ..So why are you supporting the illegality of the detention if you are for the rule of law?
Clearly the senator has been reading fabricated stories about this issue hence his disorientation. “….urging Mr. Hichilema’s release from prison and that he be treated in accordance with Zambian law”. But that is exactly what is happening now. He hasn’t been jailed yet as he is appearing in a court of law and it is up to the court to convict him. Please get your facts aright, we don’t want your bombers to come here like you did with Iraq when you wrongly accused Sadam Hussein of keeping chemical weapons.
So, according to your understanding, you seriously believe it is completely lawful to detain someone for treason based on a hunch, in the absence admissible evidence? You think it is lawful?
cont. As for being voted out even PF will be voted out if they fail to rule to the tax payers expectations.
Lungu you are digging your own grave open your eyes.
Lungu is an empty tin with no vision…his only vision is 2021!!
Tell this Senator to reflect on the incalculable misery that the US has brought to the people of Iraq and Libya, by bulling the former leaders of these countries out of office. The US is the worst violator of human rights!
Zambian politics is just there to enrich themselves and their relatives. All of you id!ot cadres I hope you are getting a cut somewhere, otherwise, I would term you as mere st@p!d if you think Lungu or HH is there to look out for you and your well being.
…But is the rule how does the rule of law governs? Is there any set standing laws that applies to anyone in an event that a rule of law is violated? Does the rule of law breakdown the human rights? Is it Cognizant of and amicable to Criticism? Does the rule of law subscribe to mating out punitive and disciplinary measures to those who antagonize it? How does it reconcile human rights and non condonement law breakers? What is the RULE OF LAW ? if i may ask again. It seems to me that in the absence of expounded above board definition of the RULE OF LAW, to both the common man and to those in pursuit of the instruments of power even the most able bodied man will be rendered inept to rule another man.
Ignore this senator.he doesnt know what he is talking about.HH broke the law in mongu and the law has to take its course.if HH is innocent,the judges will clear him,if not he will be jailed.how many Zambian law breakers are in police cells?a lot.why havent these people asking Edgar Lungu to free HH are not talking about them?SO HH IS VERY SPECIAL?I TOTALLY AGREE WITH MUSHOTA.for Zambia to enjoy peace,HH must be jailed.his politics are evil!!!LOOK,I WAS IN LUAPULA RECENTLY AND SOME PEOPLE WERE ASKING “bushe icilema (hh) ecingalashupa Govnt?bamukake fye.SO THOSE PEOPLE IN THE NORTH WHO HAVE NOT SEEN HH THINK HE IS INVALID(ICILEMA)-KIKIKIKIKIKI!!!this senator was told lies by upnd cadres,hence writing such a letter.WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF HH BROKED DONALD TRUMP’S MOTORCADE?HE COULD…
2016 UN Assembly, President Lungu was scheduled to give his speech as the last president at midnight and sits were deserted. Thereafter, Madam Greenfield (US presidential represantative) warned Lungu over his disputed election to presidency marled (check spll) with violence and bloodshed. She said nevertheless, America will recognise your re-election but thatt you rule peacefully with respect to human rights and rule of law, failure to, national and international laws will follow you. This msg to Ecl was twisted on ZNBC TV 19hrs news. But picture from America even showed our President expressing his disappointment with US govt in front of journalists. Today Ecl has gone forth to do what he was advised not to. He is begging it. Let’s wait and see.
That is exactly what happened.
We all remember lungu complaining after being told off……
Ba senator, mukwai……..You think we are still in the colonial hangover? Forget it buddy. Stop meddling. You have serious issues in your America. I wonder why Russia and China do not meddle in other countries issues. America kulibonesha ta. UKO
LOL – Very funny. Are you related to Late Sata? Is America is a former colonial master?.
atase…………….uko
Bang bang you’re right. Let HH pardon himself since he says he’s also president. Infact these chaps who are barking from facebook are making matters worse for him.
Leave Zambia alone we are not for sale and neither are in we for regime change thank you.
America is a great nation. I hope Senator’s comments is not Trump administration position. If it is , then we need to seriously adjust my way of handling certain issues…
In Zimbabwe ordinary people are suffering not MUGABE….
We may say what we want but let us be careful .
It’s only $750 million in aid money and a few thousand tourists spending a few million more – who needs it? They can go to hell. RB, Dora and Lungu’s pockets are full and God is Zambian sure
The situation in Zambia is embarrassing. It’s a shame this circus has been allowed to unfold before the world watch and the current leadership who have no regard for the Zambian people are not moved.
They are hell bound to foster their position then uplift lives of poverty stricken citizens.
The people who aline with these grid people simply because they are benefiting from plunder of the national resources will only have themselves to blame for the next generation.
It’s only a fools or empty tins who can’t see the hopelessness of our institutions. An independent judicial system could not have allowed this case to go ahead with waste of public funds.
The executive should be held responsible for this misuse of much needed funds in a poverty stricken country. The…
Ever heard of CIA and the dossiers they have on African presidents?This senator ‘s letter stinks of that.Good luck with your democracy
People assist me I beg, what type of a cockroach is this. Mushota? He always sounds cruel, sarcastic and tribal. Obviously Jehovah God has a reward for him in stock like a referee does to a football player. This man always sounds un christian. God is watching u. U really are a reprica of Edgar Lungu.
I HATE IT WHEN THESE AMERICAN *****S STARTS PREFECTING THE CONTINENT, WHO THE FUUUCK IS THIS STUPID SENETA TO START INVOLVING HIS ASSSSS IN OUR AFFAIRS. IF THESE *****S DON’T HAVE WORK TO DO THEY MUST COME HELP ME ON MY FARM. STUPID SWINE
But really, which Parliament in Zambia is this chap a Senator of? Is our parliament, an extension of the US Senate Houses?
‘politically motivated’ Arrests? Really? Butt out of Zambian Affairs, we have the right to control our country. It’s precisely because of the Rule of Law that HH has been arrested. He sought to create tension in the country.
A way this is Fake news right?
Its difficult for you to understand how the global village works in your small cadre brain…next you will ask who the US is to IMF and World Bank.
American is American it mediates on such abuses. Mushota u are too too young at 27 to give upright advice… Read Hon. Musenga get sense from his comments on political situation in Zambia. Don’t say you are noy supporting any party.. Read your comments then you will know which party you support. It like you even don’t understand yourself. You comments are evil, demonic, rusty, full of hate..etc. I wonder what type of a person you are. An example of Lucifer.
@ U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, USELESS after all you are democrats , Republicans are ruling
The majority of politicians in the USA are trained Lawyers. If Senator Ben Cardin understands legal processes, and is also an expert on foreign affairs matters, he should have aired his concerns through standard diplomatic channels. Senator Ben Cardin should have conveyed his issues to the US Secretary of State who in turn could have communicated to Zambian Foreign Minister. Or he should have communicated through the Zambian Embassy based in Washington.
I fear that most Africans still wrongly believe that what a white man says is gospel truth. Hence the UPND members will start screaming MUZUNG is right, when Senator Ben Cardin has not done enough research on the genesis of HH’s folly. HH is alive when many innocent Zambians have been slain by UPND cadres.
The MUGABE and MUSEVENI league is working very hard to increase the number of teams in their ranks.
The Bible says spare the rod and spoil the child.
Honestly HH needs this.
How else will he know that there are laws and norms to respect in any society.
I promise you that HH has learnt his lessons and he will never ever ever do such a thing again. No matter how thick skinned he maybe, he is already “born again”.
He is a new and better man now. Mark my words. You will never see him again disrespecting the president.
Donald Trump says he is ‘absolutely’ considering breaking up 9th Circuit court after blocked executive orders!! has anyone advised Trump from Africa that such acts are a clear indication of trying to intimidate the Judiciary! the question is, Is this lawful, if it is then they can come and advise about Zambian Law
I dont support Lungu but the question is where in the world will someone be allowed to race with a presidential motorcade? guys lets be objective and unbiased. would the American secret service allow someone to drive next to Donald Trumps motorcade without giving way? Let the courts review the matter and will determine the correct position. if he did nothing wrong he will be exonerated
But that is not a treason case. Don’t just defend people because you prefer em to others. Learn to say when they are wrong, they are wrong. Nowadays if you stand against the state, u become the enemy and they do everything in there power to accuse u of something not geniun, trying to make u pay. So its better to correct this mistake before the same law is twisted and used on u. Mind if used on u the outside world will not hear u, while u rot in jail. Thank u.
He is ignorant u know that. The Catholic church tried to put sense in his head but ended threatening em to b deregistered.
What the senator does not know is that HH is already being and will be treated accordingly with the Zambian Law.
Edgar Lungu is not like this senator’s president, Mr Trump who makes orders that go against the law.
Trump is busy violating the American law back in America and this senator wishes to teach Lungu how to respect the Zambia law.
And of all the people, why a senator – speaking in his capacity for that matter, saying I have concerns over the arrest of HH.
Many of us have concerns about America’s current leadership style and actions, eg the desire to build a wall between America and Mexico.
We also have a concern over Trump’s orders regarding foreign nationals, which is is total violation of the American law.
I urge the sensor to tell Trump to follow the…
I urge the senator to tell Trump to follow the American law in dealing with national and international matters, and to respect the rule of law.
The man has a definite huge log in his eye, and he wants to use the same eye to sot a suspected speck in his friend’s eye.
I urge the senator to tell Trump to follow the American law in dealing with national and international matters, and to respect the rule of law.
And what the senator should be doing now is to arrange for leadership exchange meetings between Trump and Lungu.
Lungu respects the rule of law and respects the Zambian constitution and the Judiciary, while Trump started violating the American constitution from day one.
So Trump has a lot to learn from Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Thus, the leadership exchange meetings will be very helpful to Trump. Actually, am being diplomatic to say exchange – it Will just be teaching session handled by ECL.
Read the majority bloggers here and you will see that the green army has been mobilised to defend the indefensible.
personally I dont believe that this is a true statement, just a way to stir up public sentiment by propagandists
I will take it this is another manufactured story because today’s america is in more political and human rights turmoil than Zambia has ever had! As we speak numerous courts are ruling against an obviously reckless and racist american government under president trump. To highlight the seriousness of America’s political problem’s, tens of eminent doctors in america have concluded that the current american president is mentally unstable and should be removed from power as he is a danger to america and the world!! In short, america has more problems than Zambia has. Comments from america on the current situation will be nothing but a joke.
The Senator is telling PF to remember to uphold HUMAN RIGHTS in their dealings! The civilized world has seen the ABUSES under Lungu, especially in the manner of the arrest and can’t help but get concerned! The 21st Century is a dangerous time to want to be a dictator! Zambia is now part of the global village and global social media. You may think you have suppressed the independent press but that’s only in Zambia! The big losers will not be ECL or HH but ordinary Zambians! The FUNDING DROUGHT is coming!
ask the mllion dead in Iraq,Iran ,Afganistan,,Congo,Angola etc about THEIR human rights when the Reagan,Carter,Clinton and George W-Blair Doctrines were unleashed upon them!! They reckon human rights only in their homelands and YOU are collateral….muzibelenga, Jesus wept !!!
Who is this Mushota thing that seems so ignorant, who is equating a United States senator to Mushimba? Ignorance is bliss,& sadly in Zambia even a street prostitute without credentials can command a blind following…
for all that think some, read the demise of Iraq as summarised in the fate of al-Maliki, the roles of the USA, their later ambassador to Zed, the british and what end-game was at play; Mr Lungu is well advised to SEAL ALL ZAMBIA BY GLUEING TOGETHER ALL POWERS IN ZAMBIA UNITED – WE HAVE ONE LAST SHOT TO TURN FROM THE BRINK AND HEGEMONIOUS INTERESTS!! Understand the spirit of the Matero and Choma Declarations and the fall-out that lead to UPP;finally peruse LPM’s rejection of US bases, FTJ’s myopia and one Xavier Chungu’s escapades. Mr Lungu, Mr HH IT IS ZAMBIA FIRST,ALWAYS !!!
If u think USA is here to help Zambia forget it, they look after THEIR interests…they and the west in general are a-boot and push is coming to shove in the SADC -Congo Region AGAINST China…its high -noon aLungu – PUT ZAMBIA FIRST,MAKE ZAMBIA GREAT AGAIN OR WITHER FIGHTING SHADOWS or being a diesel-chain if u took note in organic chemistry !
Mr Senator Sir, HH is charged under the rule of law as per the laws of Zambia. I am glad that you and Zambia are on the same page as regards the rule of law. As of yesterday, according to the rule of law the magistrate set the date for a preliminary inquiry after the prosecution and the defence agreed. Now if that is not the rule of law what else can it be?
While technology development has advanced tremendously over the last decade, the thinking and behaviour of the so called developed nations have remained virtually unchanged. The article of the senator elect of the USA to president Lungu is case in point. These guys (the super powers of this world) have remained largely reactive to issues rather than proactive. The senator refers to the law of Zambia and at the same time he mentions selective arrests without any detail. Typical of layman language. The senator should have taken time to advise his preferred candidate to behave according to the laws that he (Senator elect) makes reference to. Am afraid the world will continue to be extremely unsafe to live on for years to come for as long as we have this old fashioned thinking that…
… that pre-supposes the opposition to be always right and cannot be touched. While we acknowledge the senator to be just blood and flesh we encourage him to find out the truth and advise his candidate to uphold the Zambian laws just like the senator would encourage his own American citizens to uphold their own laws otherwise we would be living in a world worse than that of the Jungle of chimpanzee’s in the Congo forests. We would encourage some of the American law makers such the one who has written to our excellence to think more like modern law makers. You may have all the bombs and nuclear arsenals of this world but we ask you senator for think rationally and above board.
” I urge you to take proactive steps to bring an end to politically motivated arrests, and ensure that officials who engage in such actions are held accountable in accordance with Zambian law. I also hope that you and all political actors will exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and follow due process, as expected by the Zambian people.”
The above statement holds for ALL political actors including ” Messiah HH” he should exercise restraint, respect for presidency, uphold the rule of Law of the land as expected by the people of Zambia. Not to sponsor internal terrorism as HH is doing, burning school library at Chalimbana University as well as Kamwala Market.
@ 1.24 Sad to be Zedian,
You Zambian being isolated by the international community??
Which international community when just yesterday UK was confirming it’s recognition of the presidency of ECL and urging every zambian to recognise and respect him and respect the rule of law..
This means the UK, the Commonwealth, all African regional groupings and the EU are not amused with opposition HH’s behaviour.
Democracy does not mean anarchy and disrespect for the rule of role, but instead upholding the rule of law is the greatest tenet of democracy.
Trump’s approach is not what democracy demands, crushing with the constitution from day one; and that is where lectures must come from??? Joke!!
America stupid…..How many countries have you destroyed in North Africa, middle East…Did we say a thing! Now that your agent hh is arrested, you wanted to use him to come and steal copper,gold,uranium and other precious minerals, You must have a sense of shame…
Is this Senater knew what happened to H H for being in prison? I think to my side he don’t know.