MISA reacts to Gaborone Central MP�s forced ejection from parly

Correspondent | Thursday July 9, 2015 15:07

Pictures that circulated on both print and social media depicting the agents carrying DR Butale and leaving him lying on the ground are inhumane and degrading for the Honourable Member of Parliament.

According to a press release issued by government, Dr Butale is accused for failing to obey the deputy’s speaker (Kagiso Molatlhegi) orders of leaving the house.

The Gaborone Central MP had asked the House to set aside its business of the day and debate his urgent motion on the electricity and water crises bedevilling the country.

The Deputy speaker did not allow him, saying Honourable Dithapelo Keorapetse intends to ask a question on the matter.

Security agents were ordered to remove him out of the chamber.

MISA Botswana National Director Buyani Zongwani is concerned and worried that if Parliament fails to protect freedoms enshrined in the bill of rights how does the house expects members of public to respect the laws it makes. “Parliament is supposed to demonstrate the practicality of freedom of expression as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of Botswana so that the whole nation can follow suit”, argues Zongwani.

Romang Mogapi