The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has condemned last Friday’s attack on the church during a Black Friday procession to protest the Patriotic Front’s poor governance record and removal of subsidies on maize and fuel calling on government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement by JCTR’s Faith and Justice programme manager Brian Banda, the Catholics are demanding assurance on the promotion of a society where human dignity, which is the bedrock of human rights and democracy, is respected, promoted and protected in Zambia.
“Neither violence nor intolerance promotes human dignity or democracy. We encourage dialogue and peaceful demonstrations among stakeholders and all Zambians of good will as a way of engaging on issues of national policy and good governance. Where human rights are violated, we want to see justice prevail. Therefore, we call upon the government, through the police, to bring the perpetrators of last week’s violence to justice now,” Banda.
Last Friday, a group of PF youths belonging to a militia group under the direction of party secretary general Wynter Kabimba’s supervision attacked BIGOCA Church in Matero assaulting journalists and civil society officials during the Black Friday procession.
“We condemn the attack on the church, media and civil society and demand that the police expeditiously bring the culprits to book,” he demanded.
“In a free, democratic and Christian nation, people have the right to assemble and express their views on issues that touch their lives. ”
Banda said the Church, media, civil society and other Zambians of good will met with the sole intention of praying, sharing, and informing the public about the issues that are currently adversely affecting the people of Zambia, especially the poor.
“The people at the prayer meeting deserved support, protection and security and not barbaric treatment from some non-law abiding citizens.
“Where the rich and powerful take advantage of the poor the church has and will always speak on behalf of the poor because God has a great passion for the poor and marginalized of our society and anyone who oppresses the poor and weak shows contempt to God their maker (Ps147:7-9),” said Banda.
He urged the government to ensure that security and protection is given to all Zambians regardless of political affiliation or dissenting views.
“Dissent is expected in a democracy and so no Zambian should be intimidated to say what is contrary to government policy. Unless the ministry of home affairs protects the people of Zambia, especially those who hold divergent views, Zambia will certainly turn into a lawless nation. We denounce any form of lawlessness because that is inhuman, un-Zambian and undemocratic,” said Banda.
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