The Human Rights Commission has urged that the two brothers, who have been detained for nearly two months for allegedly mocking President Hakainde Hichilema on TikTok, should either be granted police bail or brought before a court without further delay.
Elijah and Ernest, aged 26 and 23, were arrested on October 3, 2024, in Kalulushi.
After the formalities of their arrest were completed, they were taken at night to Ridgeway police post in Lusaka, where they have remained in detention since October 4, 2024.
Commission spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya stated that the ongoing detention of the Kaumba brothers without bail or trial violates their right to liberty.
Muleya explained that the prolonged detention of suspects without trial infringes upon the right to liberty as guaranteed by Article 13 of the Zambian Constitution and breaches Section 33 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Chapter 88 of Zambian laws, which must be addressed.
He also emphasized that unless absolutely necessary for law enforcement, the practice of detaining suspects by transferring them from one district or province to another should cease.
Muleya noted that in many democracies, this practice is considered problematic as it is often seen as a means of punishing or intimidating suspects.
He said transferring individuals far from their homes deprives them of essential family and community support, exposing them to various human rights violations.
