Raphael Nakacinda, a Patriotic Front member of the Central Committee, is accused of disparaging President Hakainde Hichilema and making insensitive remarks about another tribe, according to instructions from the director of public prosecutions.
Nakacinda, 43, was detained by Solwezi police in April of last year and charged with two counts of defamation and speaking or displaying hatred, derision, or contempt.
This came about as a result of Bruce Kanema, a member of the public, filing a complaint against him for allegedly defaming President Hichilema in a video that went viral on social media.
The court was informed that the directions to have the accused tried are ready when the case came up today.
But, because his attorney was unavailable, the accused was unable to enter a plea.
On March 6, 2023, the defendant is set to enter a plea before Lusaka Magistrate Idah Phiri.
Chilufya Tayali, the leader of the Economic and Equity party, has pleaded not guilty to charges of communicating certain material in violation of Section 4(3) of the State Security Act and encouraging mutiny in violation of Section 48 subsection (a) of the Criminal Code.
It is claimed that between March 2022 and April 2, 2022, someone used social media to try to persuade members of the Zambia Police Service and the Defense Force to break their loyalty oaths to the Republican President.
