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Civil rights activist, Brebnar Changala, has condemned the prolonged detention of journalist Thomas Zgambo, describing it as an abuse of state power.
Changala expressed disappointment, stating that President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration had backtracked on their commitment to uphold human rights, despite campaigning on a platform of restoring the rule of law.
Speaking during a visit to Zgambo at Ridgeway Police Station on Wednesday, Changala criticisesd the State’s involvement in the matter, calling it an unjustified overreach.
“It is an abuse of state power. The State has no business in this case,” Changala asserted.
He urged civil society organizations, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and political parties to push back against the current status quo.
Changala called for the unconditional release of Zgambo, arguing that no one should be deprived of their freedom for their profession or writings.
He advised Acting Auditor General, Dr. Ron Mwambwa, and State House aide Lawrence Mwananyanda—the complainants in Zgambo’s case—to pursue legal action in court rather than involving the state in detentions.
Read More: Amnesty International demands immediate release of Zambian journalist, Zgambo
Additionally, he demanded the release of 22-year-old Elijah Kaumba and his 26-year-old brother, Ernest Kaumba, who were arrested in Kalulushi for allegedly defaming President Hichilema and have since been detained for 27 days in Lusaka without a court appearance.
“I demand the release of the Kaumba brothers, who have been held here by Force Headquarters without family support. This is barbaric and unacceptable and it must end immediately,” Changala said.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) president, Saboi Imboela, also condemned the detentions, calling it a violation of the government’s promise to uphold citizens’ rights.
Imboela joined other stakeholders, including Amnesty International and the United Kwacha Alliance, in calling for the immediate release of Zgambo and the Kaumba brothers.
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