Action Aid praise HH over his decision to abolish death penalty

Actionaid Zambia has joined other stakeholders in praising President Hakainde Hichilema over his decision to abolish the death penalty in Zambia.

And Actionaid Country Director Nalucha Ziba is calling on government to fast track the amendment of the penal code act, and the bill of rights to ensure that the proposed abolishment by the president is backed by law. 

Ms. Ziba has further called on the president to provide leadership in ensuring that the country moves to the path of respecting human rights and domesticating international legislation on human rights.

She says the sentiments by the president are progressive and respond to the respect for human rights.

Ms. Ziba is hoping that the pronouncement will be followed by necessary tangible actions and legal reforms.

She says the last time the Zambian government executed inmates on the death role penalty was in 1997, yet the courts have continued to sentence convicted persons to death because the provisions of the penal code under section25 and constitution under article 12 provide for the death penalty.

Ms. Ziba has noted the need to align the law with practice to protect the right to life in absoluteness.

And Political Activist Elias Mulenga has urged parliamentarians to support the amendment of penal laws such as the penal code act and the criminal procedure code act chapter 88 of the laws of Zambia.