United States of America-based former UPND cadre George Mtonga has admitted the ruling party under president Hakainde Hichilema was more ruthless than the Patriotic Front.
He says comparatively, the UPND is more intolerant to dissenting views and had shrunk the democratic space in the country.
Mtonga says he would have been in jail if the UPND were in power during the time PF were ruling.
“All the activities I was engaged in during PF in support of UPND. The many articles I wrote, the sacarsm that I pursued. Remember when I took on Chishimba Kambwili and Bowman Lusambo over their fake degrees?
“85% of what I did… today if this was done against UPND I would be in jail.
“You guys have to be honest about this reality. I had a problem with free speech under PF and I do have a problem with it under UPND,” he said.
Mtonga says cyber laws were being applied selectively in the country.
“I do not have a problem with a law if it’s applied equally to everyone. But when it becomes selective I do have a problem. At that point you are just using state institutions to go after people you disagree with. Thats not law. Thats cowardice. If a person says A and he is arrested. Then everyone who says A should be arrested. The law should not be subjective.
“Looking forward to the challenges in the con court. 100% for it. A law can be passed by parliament and it can be found unconstitutional. Thats what we should aim for on these cyber laws. Let the courts tell us if their provisions are constitutional or not.
“I have made it clear now and before that I disagree with the provisions of the cyber laws that infringement on freedoms of speech, privacy and and any laws that curtail assembly. I have been absolute in my support of these progressive positions. Upnd’s endorsement of cyber laws is why im no longer a member of the party.
“I have made my position clear on this matter. To progress, Zambians must be free and you won’t like what they have to say,” said Mtonga.
