By SARAH MWANZA –
MOVEMENT for Economic Empowerment and Democracy (MEED) has welcomed the consultative forum deliberated by Ministry of Justice on Zambia’s affiliation to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
MEED executive director Mike Muyawala said the ICC membership was a critical matter which needed everyone’s contribution.
Government has launched a consultative process which will lead to Zambia coming up with a position on whether to leave or remain a member of the ICC.
Minister of Justice Given Lubinda has revealed  that K2 million has been allocated to the process which would be conducted in 30 districts across the country.
“It is important that those views are presented to the Ministry of Justice so that a final decision can be reached carefully,” he said.
Mr Muyawala however explained that Zambia’s membership to the ICC is a necessity because there were a number of treaties, statutes and covenants which Zambia was already signatory to which covered many issues under the ICC.
He added that apart from competent national legal system, Zambia was a signatory to the ICCPR, UDHR, African Union Charter (AUC) Southern African Development Community, (SADC) protocol and many more.
“Furthermore we feel that ICC has proven to bite only when an issue or a crime is committed by African leaders, we have nothing to lose if we pull out,” he said.
Mr Muyawala has also condemned the growing trend of political cadres of attacking journalists.
“As a movement we condemn this uncivilised and barbaric act in the strongest terms and we appeal to the Zambia police to ensure that the culprits are brought to book,” he said.
He explained that all cadres irrespective of their political party affiliation should respect freedom of the press.