EFF condemns the interference of the security cluster as unduly interfering in the business of parliament

26 August 2014

The Economic Freedom Fighters is not moved an inch by the illegal threat made by the Security Cluster. The EFF will not be intimidated by a group of employees and henchmen/women who serve at the pleasure and discretion of President Zuma.

The Security Cluster has no business interfering with the running of Parliament since it is part of the executive. The doctrine of the separation of powers enshrined in our constitutional democracy prescribes that the executive, which is all appointed by the President, must respect parliament.

In their press conference today, these Zuma employees told the country how they will be making sure that there are measures put in place to ensure that the EFF does not protest again. They convened this press conference as the executive, without any of the parliamentary security personnel or even the office of the Speaker. This must be read as undermining the independence of Parliament and the very democracy that underpins it.

Parliament is capable of running its business. There was never a need for the police to be called or even for security measures to be tightened following the EFF MPs peaceful protest, precisely because it was peaceful. The disgust and anger of the public is not against the EFF but against an executive that feels invincible and above the scrutiny of the people and makes every possible attempt to subvert democracy and undermine the Constitution.

The EFF is proud and makes no apology whatsoever for its peaceful protest action in parliament last Thursday. The EFF Members of Parliament have the right to be in the chamber and hold the executive accountable and will continue to do so in a robust manner, without any fear or favour.

If the ANC security cluster wants to arrest us, tear gas us, or shoot to kill us, then let is be. The EFF is ready for any form of violence because no amount of war talk, no amount of intimidation will deter it from robustly raising issues and holding the executive accountable.

Statement issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters, August 26 2014

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