Chishimba Kambwili, who served as information minister in the previous government, was arrested on Monday after a group of youths protesting against the high cost of living assembled outside his residence in the capital, Lusaka.

A former diplomat who witnessed the arrest condemned the action in an interview with the BBC.

“It flies in the face of the constitution and guaranteed freedoms of assembly and association. How can you be charged with unlawful assembly at your own private residence? This is but harassment of the opposition," Emmanuel Mwamba said.

Political activist Charles Kakula was also charged along with Mr Kambwili - both were freed on Tuesday.

A local TV station shared a video of Monday's arrest:

https://twitter.com/diamondtvzambia/status/1622684973269454855?s=20&t=j_kx0epsTiiS7wQ8RRAZ7Q

“The two whilst acting together with other unknown persons did unlawfully assemble causing other persons to reasonably fear for the breach of public peace," police said in a statement.

Civil society groups have criticised the government over the matter, accusing it of "mindless politics".

Opposition parties have been using high fuel prices and the spiralling cost of maize flour - used for preparing the staple food nshima - to criticise President Hakainde Hichilema’s policies.