Maravi

Court grants SACCORD leave to appeal

Court grants SACCORD leave to appeal
By Mwala Kalaluka
Fri 05 Mar. 2010, 04:00 CAT

THE Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has been granted leave to appeal against High Court judge Florence Lengalenga’s decision to uphold its de-registration by the government.

And Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) spokesperson Fr Paul Samasumo said the SACCORD case reinforces the need for a Republican constitution that protects the liberties of civil society organisations.

SACCORD information officer Obby Chibuluma said yesterday that the Lusaka High Court granted the leave to appeal on Wednesday.

“But we have not been given a stay. What happened was that when the leave was granted there were some amendments that needed to be done,” Chibuluma said. “So far we are not operating until we get a stay. We are still waiting for the judge. The judge was not in the office today. She went for a funeral, we are told.”

And Fr Samasumo said as a principle, ZEC does not agree with the proscribing of civil society organisations by the government.

“Especially where the minister is not even obliged to explain…that is open to so much abuse of the authority,” said Fr Samasumo. “Just to say that they are inimical to state security without giving reasons. This even reinforces the need for a constitution that protects the liberties of the organisations.”

Labels: OBBY CHIBULUMA, SACCORD, ZEC

posted by MrK @ 5:17 PM