UN rights expert urges Zambia to free detainees

Gina Romero, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of assembly and association, voiced “grave concern” on Wednesday over Zambia's shrinking political space and called for the release of political detainees.

President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday after a contentious election that drew scrutiny from observers over its fairness and credibility.

After the vote, several opposition figures were arrested, including Brian Mundubile, who finished second. Mundubile, a former provincial government minister, was charged with treason at the weekend but has not been presented in court.

Romero said reports from the post-election period pointed to a pattern of rights abuses linked to allegations of irregularities in the vote. She cited allegations of intimidation and the detention of hundreds of opposition supporters, some reportedly held for extended periods without charge.

“A healthy democracy requires that all voices -- including opposition members, religious leaders, civil society actors, and journalists -- speak freely without fear,” Romero said, calling on authorities to free detainees and restore democratic accountability.

UN special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council and do not speak for the United Nations itself.

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa, whose retired bishop Trevor Mwamba was among those detained, on Tuesday called for an end to arbitrary arrests. Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba appealed to Zambian authorities to allow detainees access to decent sanitation, reading material and other basic necessities.