Government has reiterated there are no persons currently incarcerated on political grounds in the country as it remains committed to upholding democracy and the rule of law under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
The US embassy in Zambia has recently released a report on human rights covering the periods between 2023 and 2024 in which it has been indicated that Zambia has had no political prisoners.
Speaking at a press conference today, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said government is delighted to receive recognition for its democratic dispensation by the American embassy.
“We are glad to note that even cooperating partners have stated in their reports such as the one done by the US embassy in Zambia that has categorically stated that there are no political prisoners in Zambia,” Kawana told the press today.
Kawana further stated that there are no individuals currently imprisoned or admitted before the courts of law for politically motivated purposes.
“Everybody that is before the law in this country is there because they have broken the law and those appearing in court is because they stand charged for having broken the law,” he said.
He further warned that no individuals will be exempted from facing the full course of the law regardless of their political affiliation or standing.
“We want to make it very clear that being in politics is not immunity for one to break the law. Whether you are in the ruling parties or the opposition political political parties, if you abrogate the law you will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
In conclusion, Kawana added that the report by the American embassy and its indications debunks the claims made by a section of politicians that democratic space and freedom of expression in the country has shrank.
