The Oasis Forum says the fire tender protestors have shown true patriotism by demanding accountability from leaders.

In a statement yesterday, Oasis Forum Spokesperson Sara Longwe stated that it was unfortunate that most politicians saw expressions of dissent as unpatriotic acts.

“Too often our politicians see expressions of dissent as unpatriotic acts when nothing could be further from the truth. As the Bible says in John 15.13, ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’. The protestors were arrested over their decision to express their concern over the expenditure of public resources which impacts every citizen but most of all, the poorest of the poor in society. American civil rights activist once said, ‘true patriotism hates injustice in its land more than anywhere else’,” Longwe stated.

“To the protestors Laura Miti, Mika Mwambazi, Sean Tembo, Fumba Chama, Lewis Mwape and Bonwell Mwewa, the Oasis Forum salutes your patriotism, bravery and love for your neihbour. We call on all well meaning Zambians to support all efforts towards good governance and greater accountability in Zambia for the benefit of all Zambians.

She bemoaned the absence of the Bill of Rights.

“The Oasis Forum bemoans the absence of rights that includes economic, social and cultural rights that would empower Zambian citizens to demand greater accountability for how public resources are managed,” stated Longwe.

“Too often our politicians see expressions of dissent as unpatriotic acts when nothing could be further from the truth. The protesters on Friday were arrested over their decision to express their concern over the expenditure of public resources which impacts every citizen, mostly the poorest in the society.”