Malembeka urges next President to abolish death sentence

A Human Rights Activist says the next Republican President should consider completely abolishing the death penalty.

Speaking in an interview with QFM News, Godfrey Malembeka says most people are looking for a President who is going to believe in abolishing such laws.

Mr. Malembeka says Zambia should now join many other countries that have abolished the death penalty.

He says the death penalty is a hindrance to the promotion of human rights in the country.

Mr. Malembeka adds that there is also need for the next president to conclude the constitution making process so that the court of appeal can be effective.

He notes that are a number of appellants today are failing to access their appeals due to the fact that the process is too slow.

Mr. Malembeka, who is also Prisons Care and Counseling Association (PRISCCA) Executive Director, says there is also need for the next president to continue where late President Michael Sata left in decongesting prisons by releasing over 5, 000 prisoners within three years.

Report by Albert Mpezeni