Zambia president denies role in politician's arrest

According to his spokeswoman, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia opposes legislation that restricts the liberties that people have.

The statement comes after a critic was taken into custody for allegedly defaming the president.

Spokesman Anthony Bwalya stated that neither the president nor how the law should be administered should have any bearing on the arrest of his detractors.

Sean Tembo, a lawmaker from the opposition, was detained by police last Thursday after being accused of slander.

Online users have uploaded a video of Mr. Tembo being escorted to the hospital on Monday for a brief visit before being taken back into police custody.

After a Facebook post criticizing a fuel price increase was roundly criticized as vulgar and sexist, Mr. Tembo, a fervent opponent of Mr. Hichilema, was taken into custody last week.

"Bally's monthly period has returned. Tomorrow, fuel costs will be reconsidered, he wrote.

Mr. Hichilema is well-known online, particularly on social media, as "Bally."

However, according to his spokeswoman, the president had nothing to do with Mr. Tembo's arrest.

Mr. Bwalya stated that Mr. Hichilema "does not draft the law, and neither can or does he direct how the law should be enforced nor does he order or effect the arrests of individuals who allegedly break the law in its existing form.

He continued by saying that the president was attempting to restore Zambia's status as a regional and international leader in democracy and sound governance.

The police have not yet released a thorough statement regarding Mr. Tembo's arrest, despite promising to do so.

As calls to remove the law that carries a possible three-year prison penalty for defaming the president grow louder, several people have recently been detained under its provisions.