Four civil society organisations have challenged State House to explain the legal procedures followed in the apprehension and return of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda from Mozambique to Zambia.
The organisations say their concerns do not amount to defending Mr Banda, who faces criminal charges, but are aimed at ensuring that the law is followed regardless of a person’s political standing or alleged offences.
In a joint statement, the organisations, led by LCK Freedom Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde, say the legality of prosecuting a fugitive is separate from the legality of the process used to apprehend and transfer that person between countries.
They have questioned whether Mr Banda was extradited, deported or returned under another arrangement, and whether the applicable legal safeguards were followed.
The organisations also defended their human rights record, rejecting suggestions by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka that their concerns over Mr Banda’s apprehension were inconsistent with their previous positions on human rights abuses.
They say they have consistently spoken against alleged abuses of State power under both the previous and current administrations, adding that Mr Banda must answer for any offences established against him through lawful proceedings.
The organisations have also called on authorities to clarify Mr Banda’s legal status, access to lawyers and family, and medical condition, while ensuring that his constitutional rights are respected.
By Mike Mwendachabe
