By Angela Moonga
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) has condemned the abduction, torture, and
inhumane treatment of Joel Nyondo, a member of the Patriotic Front (PF), allegedly perpetrated by members of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
In a press statement, ZCLU deputy executive director Derick Chekwe commended the police for swiftly arresting one of the suspected culprits in this matter but cautioned against using the arrested driver as a mere sacrificial lamb while other
perpetrators were allowed to walk free.
He stated that the police must go further and charge the arrested suspects not only with abduction
but also with aggravated robbery and attempted murder.
“These charges will send a clear message that violent political conduct, including the use of machetes and firearms to intimidate
or injure opponents, will not be tolerated in our democracy,” Chekwe stated. “ZCLU is equally saddened by reports that Mr. Mark Ziligone, a journalist with ZNBC, was assaulted this morning by uniformed officers while performing his professional duties at the scene of an accident. We strongly condemn this conduct and urge law enforcement agencies to democracy. An attack on journalists is an attack on the freedom of expression and the right of hold the officers involved accountable. Journalism is a noble profession that underpins citizens to information.”
He stated that ZCLU has over the past nine months been tracking human rights violations in Zambia, and will in January or February 2026, launch their first Zambia Human Rights Report (ZHRR) 2025.
“This report will be a permanent feature of our workaimed at documenting violations and
strengthening accountability. We invite members of the public whose rights have been violated,
or who have credible information about such violations, to submit reports with any available
evidence to ZCLU,” stated Chekwe. “ZCLU remains steadfast in defending constitutionalism, the rule of law, humanitarian justice, and human rights for all Zambians.”
