03/09/2026
UN calls for release of political detainees in Zambia!
The 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 has expressed grave concern over Zambia’s deteriorating democratic and human rights environment following the country's general election.
She has cited reports of widespread intimidation, the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters, with some reportedly being detained for a prolonged time without formal charges.
The special rapporteur has also raised concerns over treason charges against senior opposition alliance leaders, which she has described as a dengerious precedence.
She has further made reference to reported voter intimidation, assaults and abductions as well as the escalation of violence and loss of life, including the death of a former cabinet minister and polling agent.
Ms. Romero says the developments point to a broader pattern of shrinking civic space, including the alleged arbitrary arrest of opposition leaders, parliamentarians, and civil society actors on disproportionate or legally ambiguous charges.
She further cited the de facto cancellation of RightsCon in Lusaka, along with reported arbitrary detentions and restrictions on peaceful assembly.
Ms. Romero has urged authorities to safeguard civic space, uphold democratic integrity and immediately cease the criminalisation of political dissent.n, assaults, abductions and politically linked violence that has resulted in deaths, including those of a former cabinet minister and a polling agent.
The Special Rapporteur says the developments point to a broader pattern of shrinking civic space.
-Diamond TV
