No Political Persecution in Zambia



... Kawana reaffirms government commitment to judicial independence and democratic principles

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia-(09-12-2024) - The Zambian government has denied allegations of political persecution, asserting that there are no political prisoners in the country.

Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Media, clarified that all individuals in custody face charges based on alleged violations of the law, not their political ideologies or affiliations.

“In Zambia, individuals are arrested based on alleged violations of the law, not their political ideologies or affiliations. Therefore, there are no political prisoners in this country,” Kawana said during a media briefing.

He emphasized that political affiliation or public office does not exempt anyone from the rule of law, urging political leaders to stop framing lawful arrests as targeted oppression. He described such claims as misleading and harmful to Zambia's democratic reputation.

Addressing concerns about a shrinking democratic space, Kawana reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to freedom of expression. He highlighted that opposition leaders and other political figures continue to hold press briefings, engage in public discourse, and appear on media platforms without restrictions.

Kawana also emphasized the independence of Zambia’s judiciary, stating that no one facing legal proceedings is being targeted for their political views.

“The government respects the judiciary's independence and believes in equal application of the law. We urge the public to trust judicial processes while constructively addressing concerns to uphold the judiciary's integrity,” he said.

He further called on the public to respect court decisions and avoid discussing ongoing cases, reminding them that such discussions are prohibited by law.

To promote transparency, Kawana announced that the upcoming Constitutional Court ruling on December 10, 2024, will be broadcast live on public and private media platforms. He urged citizens to follow the proceedings remotely and avoid unnecessary gatherings at court premises.

The Permanent Secretary also called on the media to prioritize factual, balanced reporting and avoid sensationalism during this politically sensitive period.

Reaffirming the government’s dedication to peace and the rule of law, Kawana encouraged citizens to trust judicial processes and act responsibly.

“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to democracy, ensuring that all legal and political processes are conducted transparently and without outside influence,” he concluded.

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