Repression of political opposition increased in Zambia following the election

Reports indicate alarming systemic violence, including widespread intimidation and the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters, many of whom were detained beyond legally required periods without formal charges.

Some of them also received disproportionate charges, including senior opposition alliance leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, who faced “trumped up charges” of treason, according to Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights of peaceful assembly and association, who issued a press release on Wednesday.

The offense is punishable by death under Zambian law.

“Authorities must release all political prisoners, respect fundamental freedoms, and restore democratic accountability”emphasized Ms. Romero.

“A healthy democracy requires that all parties – including opposition members, religious leaders, civil society figures and journalists – speak freely without fear,” he said.

A tumultuous election

Despite peaceful transitions of power since the country’s return to multiparty democracy in 1991, the most recent elections in Zambia caused significant disruption.

Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and his party won the August 13 election, even though his main rival, Mr. Mundubile, stated that the vote count had been rigged.

Romero cited documented examples of intimidation, attacks and kidnapping of voters during the election process.

Following the election results, Government authorities raided a house, resulting in a shootout that injured former Zambian minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya.

11 people were also arrested in these raids, including senior opposition figures. They were accused of planning a coup with the help of foreign militias, but they denied this.

UN Human Rights Chair Volker Türk expressed concern at the time, and called on authorities “to stop arbitrarily arresting people.”

Long-lasting problems

“This crisis reflects a broader pattern of shrinking civic space”emphasized Ms Romero.

Zambia has experienced arbitrary arrests, disproportionate charges – including sedition and espionage – and restrictions on peaceful assembly for several years, he added.

This violates international human rights standards under the Convention International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The crackdown is further illustrated by the de facto actions of the Government RightsCon cancellation – a summit focused on human rights and technology – which is intended to gather more than 5,000 participants in May this year.

Special Rapporteurs and other independent human rights experts do not receive salaries from the UN or any other organization and serve solely in their individual capacities.