Prominent Zambian opposition figure and leader of the Socialist Party, Fred M’membe, was apprehended by authorities on Thursday, facing charges of seditious practices.
The arrest follows a social media post accusing Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi of corruption.
According to police spokesman Rae Hamoonga, M’membe is alleged to have published a contentious article on July 16th on both X and Facebook, claiming that Tshisekedi had paid Zambia $20 million to suppress information.
The article, Hamoonga asserted, was intended to incite hatred and contempt towards the Zambian government.
The 65-year-old opposition leader was taken into custody and is expected to appear in court soon to answer the charges.
His lawyer, Simon Mwila, confirmed the arrest and is currently working to secure bail for M’membe.
Despite the charges, the Socialist Party, led by Cosmas Musumali, stands firmly behind M’membe, insisting that his statements were substantiated.
Musumali expressed confidence in M’membe’s ability to present his case in court.
The arrest has ignited tensions in Zambia, with the opposition and civil society groups raising concerns about the implications for freedom of speech and expression in the country.