Public Gatherings Bill is regressive: Nico Smit

WINDHOEK: The Public Gatherings Bill is a solemn reminder of repressive measures last witnessed during the apartheid regime , Member of Parliament Nico Smit said in his contribution in the National Assembly on Monday . The Public Gatherings Bill aims to regulate public gatherings and public processions and to provide for incidental matters . The People ' s Democratic Movement representative stated that the reintroduction of strict public gathering controls is a deliberate attempt to suppress public dissent and limit the democratic right to peacefully advocate for change . ' The proposed Public Gatherings Bill in Namibia is poised to spark significant concern among citizens and rights advocates , as it seeks to impose restrictions on fundamental freedoms crucial to democracy ,' stated Smit . He said adopting such repressive tactics would be a significant regression and undercut the progress made since colonial rule , which is unbecoming for a nation that values its democratic principles and has fought for inde pendence . The Bill will infringe on Article 21 ( 2 ) of the Namibian Constitution , which provides for freedom of speech and expression , he added Source: The Namibia News Agency