BFF-52 Zambia bails MP charged with hate speech

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Zambia bails MP charged with hate speech

LUSAKA, Feb 26, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A Zambian court bailed a fierce critic of
President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday after he was charged with telling an ethnic
Indian that he was stealing local jobs.

Chishimba Kambwili, who is still an MP in the ruling party, will go on
trial on April 8 for showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for a person
because of their race.

Kambwili allegedly told road worker Rajesh Kumar Verma, an Indian
national, that his occupation should be reserved for indigenous Zambians.

A clip purporting to show the incident on February 19 went viral on social
media, prompting the government to issue a rebuke.

“I deny the charge,” Kambwili told magistrate Humphrey Chitalu on Tuesday
in a courtroom filled with scores of his supporters and some opposition
leaders.

Opposition United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema
was among those present.

Kambwili was required to pay bail worth the equivalent of of $200 (176
euros).

“We want to save this country from thieves, crooks… we will continue
speaking for you people. These jobs are not meant for foreigners but
Zambians,” Kambwili said outside court.

“How can you allow a foreigner to get jobs meant for Zambians? Shame on
you Lungu.”

Hichilema called on Zambians to protect each other from Lungu who is
accused by opponents of using the justice system to stifle critics.

“We must be concerned with each other’s welfare, and let’s unite to kick
the brutal regime,” Hichilema said.

If convicted Kambwili faces up to two years imprisonment.

BSS/AFP/RY/21:09 hrs