Police in Zambia have arrested an opposition leader, Chishimba Kambwili, and charged him with defaming the president

Lusaka Times reports that Kambwili, the President of the deregistered National Democratic Congress, reported himself at Lusaka Central Police for questioning on Wednesday morning following a call out delivered to his home on Tuesday.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of three years.

Kambwili is accused of insulting President Edgar Lungu in videos circulating social media where he reportedly refers to President Lungu in a disparaging manner.

He is accused of committing the offense contrary to section 61 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

“He is currently detained in police custody,” a police spokesperson confirmed.

Kambwili’s lawyers were not available for a comment.

New Congress Party President Peter Chanda who reported Kambwili to Police told Journalists that he felt compelled to report the case because the presidency deserves respect.

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Kambwili served as information minister under the governing Patriotic Front party before he was dismissed, and has since emerged as a fierce critic of President Lungu.

He was one of the founding members of the National Democratic Congress, which was deregistered last week.