Zambia: HRC Hails Pardon of Prisoners
~~By Precious Sakala,
~~By Precious Sakala,
 |
| Zambia's new president Michael Sata Photo: AFP/GETTY |
27 May 2013: THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) has commended President Michael Sata for
HRC acting chairperson Arnold Kapelembi said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the action by President Sata to release so many prisoners countrywide at a single occasion should be applauded.
Mr Kapelembi said HRC had at every opportunity made its stance known that it did not support the retention of the death penalty and had recommended its abolishment on several occasions.
"The commission is of the view that taking of a person's life under these conditions is torturous, vengeful and not justice.
"In addition, HRC has continually submitted that evidence from around the world shows that the death penalty has no unique deterrent effect on crime. Therefore, this is a step in the right direction," Mr Kapelembi said.
He said the commission was happy with the release of those with minor offences as the move would help to decongest the overcrowded prisons and assist the inmates who were still incarcerated to live in humane conditions.
Mr Kapelembi said HRC had expressed gratitude to President Sata for taking into account the plight of the prisoners.
He appealed to Zambians to help the former prisoners to be integrated into society.
"The commission would also like to thank the Commissioner of Prisons, Percy Chato and the parole board for taking a proactive role in the plight of prisoners," he said.
Mr Kapelembi said the commission pledged to continue advocating the abolishment of the death sentence in the country.
He also said HRC had commenced investigations on the body cavity search of inmates at Mukobeko maximum Prison following media reports that female inmates were concerned about the said search which was allegedly being conducted at the prison.
HRC acting chairperson Arnold Kapelembi said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the action by President Sata to release so many prisoners countrywide at a single occasion should be applauded.
Mr Kapelembi said HRC had at every opportunity made its stance known that it did not support the retention of the death penalty and had recommended its abolishment on several occasions.
"The commission is of the view that taking of a person's life under these conditions is torturous, vengeful and not justice.
"In addition, HRC has continually submitted that evidence from around the world shows that the death penalty has no unique deterrent effect on crime. Therefore, this is a step in the right direction," Mr Kapelembi said.
He said the commission was happy with the release of those with minor offences as the move would help to decongest the overcrowded prisons and assist the inmates who were still incarcerated to live in humane conditions.
Mr Kapelembi said HRC had expressed gratitude to President Sata for taking into account the plight of the prisoners.
He appealed to Zambians to help the former prisoners to be integrated into society.
"The commission would also like to thank the Commissioner of Prisons, Percy Chato and the parole board for taking a proactive role in the plight of prisoners," he said.
Mr Kapelembi said the commission pledged to continue advocating the abolishment of the death sentence in the country.
He also said HRC had commenced investigations on the body cavity search of inmates at Mukobeko maximum Prison following media reports that female inmates were concerned about the said search which was allegedly being conducted at the prison.
Courtesy: All Africa
