Zambia’s former President Lungu demands release of opposition leader

Zambia's former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, is demanding the immediate release of Fred M'membe, leader of the opposition Socialist Party. M'membe, a former journalist, was recently arrested by the police and charged with seditious practice for publishing an article entitled “Tshisekedi tells DRC Catholic Bishops about the $20 Million dollars Payout to buy Zambia’s Silence" on the social media network X, formerly Twitter. The police say the article was aimed at turning public opinion against the government -- an accusation the opposition party denies. Frank Bwalya, Director General of the governing UPND's Presidential Campaign Media Support Program, tells VOA's Peter Clottey, the police must be allowed to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation or harassment