PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says his Government abolished the death penalty replacing it with life imprisonment because of so many people who have been unfairly charged.
President Hichilema stated that Government also decriminalised defamation of the president to let people exercise their freedoms.
“When I was in detention I saw a number of people many of whom talking to them clearly may have not commited the crimes that for which they were sentenced to death. I believe going to prison was one of God’s way of saying go and have a look at what’s going there.”
“I was convinced that there are people who end up in prison, who [may have] never commited a crime, ” revealed Hichilema.
He however stated that Government has noted with concern how some people are abusing the church whenever they commit a crime by running to it for cover.
President Hichilema reiterated that his Government restored the rule of law to ensure that no one uses ethnic persuasion, political and religious affiliation to cover their crimes.
“You don’t promote yourself by abusing other people. Government will not reverse the decisions in the rule of law. You commit a crime then you run to the church, political party, ethnic persuasion, really?” said Hichilema.
He added that Government is also working on corruption charges urging the public that no one should ever get what does not belong to them.
President Hichilema was speaking when the Human Rights Commission led by its Chairperson Pamela Sambo paid a courtesy call on him at State house yesterday.
And Sambo commended the president for the positive strides made in the human rights space since he took office.
The commission is however concerned about some of the developments undermining the enjoyment of human rights such as law enforcement agencies.
Sambo called for a need to redress the situation with law enforcement agencies as soon as possible.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 12, 2024
