Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) is pleased with the enthusiasm exhibited by President Edgar Lungu to ensure prisoners and other inmates are accorded basic human rights in their places of incarceration.
In a statement to commemorate Africa Prisons and Corrections Day, FODEP Executive Director Chimfwembe Mweenge says FODEP has noted the zeal with which the Head of State has dedicated towards ensuring that prisoners and inmates in correctional facilities across the country are accorded conditions worthy liveable as humans.
Mweenge Chimfwembe
He says it is encouraging that President Lungu has taken time to visit correctional facilities to witness first hand, the challenges being faced by the inmates.
Mr Mweenge says it is also commendable that the Government has continued with its programme to develop new correctional facilities as well as upgrading old structures in order to alleviate challenges such as overcrowding and improve the living conditions therein.
He however, calls upon the government to improve the conditions in the justice sector in order to expedite the process of delivering justice in a competent and timely manner; as Justice delayed is justice denied.
Mr Mweenge says FODEP notes that a large number of trials in civil and criminal cases are delayed because of system inefficiencies that give raise to congestion in correctional facilities.
He notes that the prison population at present in Zambia remains at three times the official capacity of the country’s prisons.