Zambia’s Lungu says country’s democracy is under siege

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu says the country's democracy is under siege. He expressed concern over alleged efforts by the authorities to stifle dissent by using state institutions, including the police and the judiciary, to go after opponents of the administration as well as stop opposition political activities. His remarks come after the recent arrest of the former first lady, Esther Lungu, and his children over graft allegations. This, as a planned opposition rally on Saturday was stopped by police over security concerns. The government has so far denied clamping down on the opposition. Supporters of the ruling party say opposition leaders are using hate speech to reduce the government's popularity. Former Zambian president Edgar Lungu told VOA’s Peter Clottey that the country's democracy must be protected.