Nakacinda defender of democracy, says Changala
By George Zulu
RAPHAEL Nakacinda went to prison in defence of democracy, freedoms and human rights, civil rights activist Brebner Changala has said.
Changala was speaking after the release of former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Nakacinda from his 18-month prison term at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, commonly known as Chimbokaila Prison yesterday.
He said Nakacinda was a symbol of resistance.
“This man is a symbol of resistance. Our country is under siege. Everybody has been pushed into silence. Speech and language are now criminalised. Zambians have taken a back seat because they don’t want trouble. And the oppressor looks like he’s victorious,” Changala said.
He said Nakacinda went to jail on behalf of all Zambians, including those in the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
Nakacinda was not imprisoned because he had stolen but in defence of freedoms and democracy.
“This includes the UPND. He has been fighting a battle for our democracy to be sustained. He did not go to jail because he stole. He did not go to jail because he broke any law. He went to jail in defence of our right to talk, the right to associate, the right to assemble, and the right to free speech,” Changala said.
He said Nakacinda was coming back to a damaged society.
“He is here, coming back to a damaged society, frightened and pushed in a corner of fear. But I encourage you, my brother, as you come back, this is not the Zambia you left when you went to jail last year. Neither have you served this sentence in vain. You are representing God’s people. And that must give you strength,” he said.
Changala said Nakacinda had made history as a symbol of resistance to an oppressor.
“To the UPND, you came to power on the backbone of the restoration of the rule of law. You came to power on the backbone of change. And yet, nothing has changed. If anything, you have amplified the very atrocities that you were fighting for in your 23 years in opposition and 16 years under the tutelage of Mr Hakainde Hichilema,” he said.
Nakacinda was released from prison after serving his full sentence.
He was jailed for 18 months for defamation of the President and later received a concurrent six-month sentence for hate speech.
Nakacinda still faces one count of seditious practices, and the case has since been adjourned to November 2.
