Zambia abolishes colonial-era death penalty law: ‘Huge milestone’ | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Zambia abolishes colonial-era death penalty law: ‘Huge milestone’

AFP |
Dec 24, 2022 08:09 PM IST

Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema, whose party was in opposition for over two decades, had promised that he would scrap the laws if elected to the top job.

Zambian rights activists Saturday hailed as a "huge milestone" a decision to scrap two British colonial-era laws: the death penalty and making criticism of the country's leader a punishable offence.

Zambia: Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema is seen. (AP)
Zambia: Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema is seen. (AP)

President Hakainde Hichilema, whose party was in opposition for over two decades, had promised that he would scrap the laws if elected to the top job.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the penal code of 2022 abolishing the imposition of the death penalty and the offence of criminal defamation of the president, which has been on the Zambian statute books since (the) pre-independence era," presidential spokesman Anthony Bwalya said in a statement on Friday.

Read more: Troops need weapons and…: Vladimir Putin's message to Russian defence industry

Human rights activist Brebner Changala said the decision was a "huge milestone in the removal of colonial laws that do not fit in the democratic dispensation of the country".

The executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue Caroline Katotobwe said Zambians would now speak freely.

"As stakeholders we are elated that this repressive law is finally done away with. Thus, allowing citizens to freely express their views without fear of prosecution as was the case in the past," she said.

Zambia gained independence from British rule in 1964. The southern African nation is home to 18 million people.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On