8.0 Observations
8.1 Since time immemorial, whenever the Head of State walks into or out of the Chamber, all Members rise. This is a standard practice of showing respect. The acts of walking out and not standing up, as a sign of respect, is un-parliamentary and disrespectful to the Head of State and constitutes contemptuous behaviour.
It is, therefore, the Committee’s view that these allegations are of a very serious nature which are designed not only to demean and humiliate the President himself but to scandalise him. This conduct was also intended to send a message to the local, regional and international community that the President was not democratically elected. The Committee felt that it was equitable that all the Honourable Members of Parliament who disrespected the Head of State be given the similar punishment as their offences were similar. These Members are listed in Annexures A and B appended to this report. Annexures C and D contain lists of former Members of Parliament who were recalled during the investigation. Annexure E Lists Members who passed away during the investigations.
9.0 Recommendations
9.1 Taking into account the severity of the matter, the Committee recommended—
(1) that Parliament, withdraws Diplomatic Passports from the Honourable Members listed in Annexures A and B from the date of adoption of this report; and
(2) that those Members pay a Level 12 Fine to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Turning to Honourables Chikwinya and Sikhala, it must be stated that Contempt of Parliament is committed during Parliamentary proceedings. There is no need for further investigations as a record of what transpired already exists. It is the view of the Committee that both Hon Chikwinya and Hon Sikhala committed Contempt of Parliament when they appeared before the Committee; for this reason the Committee recommends that they pay a level 14 Fine to the Consolidated Revenue Fund in addition to the Fine given in paragraph 2 above.
10.0 Conclusion
10.1 The Committee would like to thank all Hon. Members who made this report possible under very difficult conditions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that this Report be adopted as it is, so that the message to the disrespectful Hon Members is sent home once and for all.
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