By Mwansa Kaumba
Former Attorney General Musa Mwenye, State Counsel says the country is now witnessing detentions without even the pretension of any court process, whatsoever.
In a statement to Daily Revelation, Mwenye, who was also Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) board chairman said Zambia now has the record of having political detainees.
“When people are held in detention beyond the reach of the courts, contrary to the law and due process, they are being held ‘extra judicially’. Further, when people are detained for their political activities and mobilization, they are ‘political detainees’. Do we have political detainees who are being held extra judicially in Zambia today?” Mwenye stated. “Sadly, the answer is yes. I never thought I would ever utter the words, ‘political detainee’ and ‘extra judicial detention’ in one sentence with regards to democratic Zambia, whose democratic credentials have been a beacon of good governance and the rule of law in Africa and beyond.”
He stated that in the past, when persons were detained for their political activities, the accused persons were subjected to due process in courts of law.
“We are now witnessing detentions without even the pretension of any court process, whatsoever. This is not who we are, and, it is certainly not what we should be known for. Zambia’s well earned name in observance of human rights and our democratic credentials are in serious jeopardy,” stated Mwenye. “I appeal to the Government to release all political detainees who are being held extra judicially or to present them before courts of law for the due process of the law to take its course.”
