LUNGU CALLS EU, US AND AU TO STAND UP FOR JAY BANDA

By Scoop Reporter

I CALL upon all Zambians and cooperating partners including SADC, AU, EU, UK, US, SA, UNDP and other Ambassadors in Zambia to stand up for Hon JJ Banda and his family as well as put him in prayers during these difficult times, former president Edgar Lungu has said.

Commenting on the fate of Petauke Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda who has been arrested for aggravated robbery, Mr. Lungu claimed the MP is currently undergoing or about to undergo a surgical procedure at Chipata General Hospital following a severe deterioration to his health.

He said Zambians were demanding for justice, rule of law for all, and called upon the state to arrest and detain the named abductors in Mr. Banda’s case adding that his health and life is quickly sinking to a lower ebb every day with no signs of improvement under state captivity.

He charged that if Mr. Banda dies while in detention, President Hakainde Hichilema would be held responsible.

“We remain doubly and immensely sad that our MP has never been given any chance to mentally heal and physically recover from the brutal abduction and torture he suffered between May and June 2024. From the day of abduction to date, the life of Hon. Banda has been under arbitrary state siege, as well as consistent and present danger as the state keeps him captive in chains disregarding his health and human rights, a strange situation in the 21st century.

“Hon Banda’s life is at a high risk as we speak today because his political tormentors are so determined to crash and decimate it. But should Hon. Banda dies, we shall place the entire blame on President Hichilema. His blood will be on President Hichilema’s hands,” Mr. Lungu said.