Lawyers in Zambia have formed the Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR) to defend civil rights in the country. In its inaugural statement issued Wednesday, the lawyers said the formation of the coalition became necessary because of the growing illegality and violence initiated by individuals, the the abuse of state power by the Executive to advance their private and political interests. The CDDR said it intends to make the international community aware of the current abuse of rights and threats of violence being deployed by President Michael Sata’s government, paving the way for future prosecution and accountability for the unlawful conduct currently being committed by the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).