Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has said the decision to remove Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda was a plan to frustrate fresh presidential elections by attacking the judiciary.

Chief Secretary to the government Lloyd Muhara released a press statement that Justice Nyirenda should go on leave pending his retirement, a development which attracted mixed reactions.

The coalition, writing on its Facebook page, made it clear that they will not let anyone to be above the law.

“We don’t want a lawless country where the Executive thinks they are the law themselves,” HRDC said.

HRDC therefore vowed to safeguard the rule of law and independence of the judiciary  sure the judiciary is never attacked by people in power including the president.

HRDC is among other groups that have obtained an injunction against forcing the Chief justice to retirement.