LUSAKA - United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Gina Romero has called on the Zambian Government to release political detainees, respect fundamental freedoms and urgently restore democratic accountability.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ms Romero expressed grave concern over what she described as Zambia's deteriorating democratic and human rights environment following the country's general election.
She cited reports of widespread intimidation and the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters, with some reportedly being detained for prolonged periods without formal charges.
The Special Rapporteur also raised concerns over treason charges against senior opposition alliance leaders, which she described as a dangerous precedent.
Ms Romero further referred to reports of voter intimidation, assaults, abductions and politically linked violence that has resulted in deaths, including those of a former Cabinet Minister and a polling agent.
She said the developments pointed to a broader pattern of shrinking civic space, including alleged arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders, parliamentarians and civil society actors on disproportionate or legally ambiguous charges.
Ms Romero also cited the de facto cancellation of RightsCon in Lusaka, along with reports of arbitrary detentions and restrictions on peaceful assembly.
She has urged authorities to safeguard civic space, uphold democratic integrity and immediately cease what she described as the criminalisation of political dissent.
Source: Diamond TV |