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The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has dismissed allegations that it had been unresponsive to the case of Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as “Why Me,” who is on trial for alleged hate speech.
In a statement issued on Thursday, HRC Spokesperson, Mweelwa Muleya, said the Commission had fulfilled its mandate by monitoring the case since Kapwepwe’s arrest and detention on April 19, 2024, at Kabwata Police Station.
Muleya clarified that the HRC had conducted regular visits to assess the conditions under which the 29-year-old TikTok troll was being held, with the most recent visit on December 31, 2024.
“During the visit, the Commission neither received nor observed any complaint of human rights violation or abuse against him,” Muleya said.
He noted that both Correctional Service officers and Kapwepwe himself confirmed he had been receiving visits from friends and well-wishers.
However, some individuals were denied access after attempting to visit him after the official visiting hours, which end at 16:00.
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“The officers guided that those wishing to visit ‘Why Me’ should adhere to regulations, including refraining from bringing cameras into the facility,” Muleya said, adding that such attempts seemed aimed at gaining social media publicity and engaging in political propaganda.
Muleya assured the public that the Commission continued to monitor the case to uphold Kapwepwe’s right to protection under Article 18 of the Constitution of Zambia.
“So far, the Commission has neither received nor found any violation of the right to secure the protection of the law for ‘Why Me’,” he stated.
The HRC is also in contact with Kapwepwe’s legal counsel, who confirmed that his next court appearance for a fortnightly mention is scheduled for January 3, 2025.
A ruling on whether he has a case to answer is set for January 10, 2025.
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