LUSAKA Magistrate Idah Phiri Mupemo has dismissed an application by Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe to have his sedition case referred to the High Court for the determination of constitutional questions. Earlier, Dr M’membe had asked the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to refer the matter to the High Court, arguing that the offence of sedition violates his constitutional right to freedom of expression. He further argued that other countries have since repealed the offence. In this matter, the Socialist Party leader is charged with one count of seditious practices, contrary to Section 60(1)(b) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. It is alleged that on July 16, 2024, in Lusaka, Dr M’membe published an article on...