#JustIn: Anti-gay protest ‘may interfere with peace’

The inspector general of Namibia’s police, lieutenant general Joseph Shikongo, says he has reason to believe that the Coalition of Churches and Organisations’ planned peaceful demonstration against same-sex marriage on Friday “might/may create feelings of hostility between different sections of the population or might interfere with peace, stability and the internal security of the country”.

In a letter to the coalition today, Shikongo acknowledged the constitutional right of individuals to assemble peacefully and without arms.

However, in view of his concerns, Shikongo invoked the powers vested in him under the Public Gathering Proclamation Act, and directed that the peaceful demonstration take place under conditions set out by him.

Failure to adhere to these conditions will constitute a criminal offence, Shikongo said.