The Human Rights Commission is demanding that the Kaumba Brothers be given police bond or be taken before the courts of law without any further delay.
The Kaumba brothers, Ernest Kaumba, aged 22, and Elijah Kaumba, aged 26 have been in police custody since 3rd October 2024, after being arrested and charged with seditious practices, and their detention without appearing before court has raised public debates.
Human Rights Commission Spokesperson, Mweelwa Muleya, therefore says the continued detention of the Kaumba brothers without police bond or trial constitutes a violation of their rights to liberty and to the due process of the law.
Mr. Muleya said in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today that the issue must be redressed immediately by either granting them police bond or taking them to court.
“The Commission has also been occasionally visiting the two suspects to assess the state of their human rights and explaining to them their rights and responsibilities,” said Mr. Muleya.
He called for efficient collaboration and cooperation between Law Enforcement Agencies, particularly the Zambia Police Service and the National Prosecution Authority to prevent arbitrary arrests and detentions of suspects.
Mr. Muleya however condemned what he called the growing trend of abusing freedom of expression through hate speech and insulting language that he said violates the rights and reputation of others, particularly through social media.
“Hate speech is not part of freedom of expression but a violation of human rights and a crime with prescribed punishment,” said Mr. Muleya.
RCV News
