Mundubile, Makebi in detention without evidence in their treason charge - Laura

…gravely concerned that the criminal justice system is allegedly being used in political battles to settle political scores, leaving lasting damage to its democratic and judicial institutions By BARNABAS ZULU THE State should either take Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others accused of treason to court on substantive charges or release them because their continued detention risks repeating the country’s troubled history of politically motivated arrests, Laura Miti has said. Ms Miti, a human rights activist says the country has previously witnessed instances where the criminal justice system was allegedly used in political battles, leaving lasting damage to its democratic and judicial institutions. Ms Miti has cited the 1997 arrest and detention of former President Kenneth Kaunda, the subsequent stripping of his Zambian citizenship by the Ndola High Court in 1999, and the 2017 arrest of then UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema on treason charges. She also recalled the arrest of ZADECO president Dean Mung’omba following the 1997 coup attempt and the 1993 Zero Option arrests involving opposition UNIP leaders, including Kebby Musokotwane, Wezi Kaunda and Rupiah Banda. Ms Miti said she was concerned that the continued detention of Mr Mundubile, Mr Zulu and 16 other treason accused without evidence being presented in court to justify their detention, could become another example of the criminal justice system being drawn into political disputes. “I’ve been thinking of that not proud judicial history because of the arrest and continued detention of opposition leaders, Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, without any evidence that justifies this being adduced in court,” Ms Miti said. She said she was particularly concerned about Bishop Trevor Mwamba, who was also among those detained, especially given the recent hot weather. Ms Miti urged those responsible for decisions on the matter to ensure that the detainees were either prosecuted on substantive charges or released. “All that to say to whoever is making decisions on this matter – take people to court for substantive charges or release them,” she said. She warned that the continued detention of the opposition figures was creating an increasingly negative impression that could remain in the country’s national memory. Ends.

High Court to hear Mundubile, Makebi Constitu...

State to finally produce Jay Jay in court today

Mundubile, Makebi constitutional bail: Court ...

State witness says he has no evidence that Mu...

Longwe threatens to sue Chief Justice

Jay Jay habeas corpus: Court moves to Maina S...

‎LAZ rejects M'membe's request for EGM over p...

Tonse Pamodzi won't disintegrate - alliance l...

UPND is not unpopular - Hichilema

HH not influencing anyone to remove president...

Tunisia's activists decry civil society crack...

UN approves world map reflecting true size of...

Tunisia: Judge orders arrest of journalist Mo...

Ebola: Why children are last to be treated in...

How climate change and food insecurity could ...

Mundubile, Makebi in detention without evidence in their treason charge - Laura