The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has filed a petition to reform the Public Order Act (POA).
LAZ president James Banda announced the filing of the petition in the Lusaka High Court to challenge certain provisions in the POA. Banda said the petition was taken into account after taking into consideration the public interest in implementing the law.
He said this was in line with the mandate of LAZ in protecting the liberties of individuals and reforming the laws that did not serve the interest of Zambians. LAZ will now wait for the High Court to set a date for hearing.
On 12th November this year, LAZ promised to challenge the POA in the way it was enforced in holding public meetings.
The POA has been one of the controversial legislation that has been abused by ruling parties using the Zambia Police Service who have recently cancelled all opposition party meetings.
UPND and MMD have had their public rallies blocked in Kanyama, Chawama, Livingstone, Mongu, Mansa and Copperbelt under the guise of national security using the archaic act that is based on a colonial law.
President Sata and his ministers, who opposed and promise to repeal the law within 90 days of coming into office, have publicly declared their affection for the law which infringes on fundamental human rights of assembly, association and free speech.