By 
Three Lusaka youths arrested for protesting against Zambia’s economic hardships have applied for a writ of habeas corpus to secure their release.
Jason Mwanza, Chanda Chikwanka, and Thomas Zulu were arrested on August 28, 2024, and have been held at Lusaka Central Police Station without being informed of the specific grounds for their detention.
Mwanza reportedly participated in a peaceful protest in Lusaka, carrying a placard that criticised the government’s “continued lies, high costs and dictatorial tendencies.”
He was subsequently arrested by police and in his affidavit, Mwanza stated that they were detained without being informed of any charges.
The youths have not been presented before a court, and despite their legal team’s efforts to secure bond, they were told that release was not possible due to “ongoing formalities.”
They argued that the commanding officer was abusing his authority by refusing to grant them bond or bring them before a competent court.
“The continued detention without charge is unjustified and unlawful, violating our fundamental rights to freedom and liberty,” the group stated.
They urged the court to issue a writ of habeas corpus to ensure their protection under the law and prevent further infringement of their constitutional rights.
The protesters said that their detention, now exceeding 144 hours, constitutes a breach of their constitutional rights against unlawful detention.
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