PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
30th November 2022
CALLS TO REPEAL RETROGRESSIVE LAWS MUST BE SUPPORTED
Zambia’s current political environment under the United Party for National Development (UPND) led New Dawn Government provides huge opportunities for the transformation of the criminal justice system in Zambia through speedy inclusive access to justice and enhancement of the rule of law for all.
Addressing a Judges Conference in Livingstone this morning, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, directed that “all oppressive laws will be amended” or removed.
Prisons Care and Counselling Association (PRISCCA) on behalf of the least vulnerable prison community in Zambia strongly and passionately welcomes this Presidential pronouncement and wholeheartedly applauds the President for announcing this key intervention that would close the underlying gaps with the legal instruments and policy directives in tandem with Zambia’s advancing democratic dispensation.
Amendments to the insult laws, death penalty abolition, and Public Order Act, shall not only highlight key interventions in navigating and improving the criminal justice system and in addressing violations of the rights of suspects in police cells, detainees, pre-trial remandees and the incarcerated but would also raise the human rights profile for our country as provided for by international, continental, and regional standards.
In this view, President Hakainde Hichilema, has the support of thousands of ex-prisoners and serving inmates, most of them indigents. We call on the international community, Church leaders, Members of Parliament and Civic leaders, traditional leaders and other key stakeholders to work with the media in popularizing such policy movements.
Note: PRISCCA serves to defend, promote and protect the rights of inmates and suspects in Zambia
By Dr. Godfrey Malembeka
Executive Director