Law Association Zambia calls upon the leadership of the Zambia Police Command to swiftly realign their practices with democratic

By; Mumbi Kalimba Kaseshya.

In a statement released to the media, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has expressed grave concerns over the continuous violation of citizens’ human rights by the Zambia Police Service. The association highlights a myriad of grievances, ranging from extra-judicial killings to arbitrary arrests and detentions, which have raised serious questions about the adherence to democratic principles within the law enforcement agency.

LAZ emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and fostering a pluralistic political environment, essential components of a thriving democracy. The association condemns the recent stance of the Inspector General of Police, who declared opposition political rallies as impermissible due to security concerns, labeling it as a direct infringement on citizens’ political rights.

Quoting the preamble of the Zambian Constitution, which underscores the nation’s commitment to democracy and good governance, LAZ calls upon the leadership of the Zambia Police Command to swiftly realign their practices with democratic tenets. This realignment, LAZ asserts, is crucial for upholding the rights of citizens and ensuring the flourishing of democracy in the nation.

Moreover, LAZ urges individuals whose rights have been violated to report such incidents to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Public Protector. The association pledges to collaborate with these institutions to seek redress for affected citizens.

This press release, addressing matters of governance, rule of law, and constitutionalism, is issued in accordance with LAZ’s mandate under section 4 of the Law Association of Zambia Act, Chapter 31 of the Laws of Zambia. It underscores LAZ’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic principles enshrined in the nation’s legal framework.

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