The death penalty and the ban on criticism of the country’s leaders have existed in Zambia’s criminal code since its days as a British colony.
The decision on the reforms that have now been hammered through follows a change of power in which Hakainde Hichilema has taken over as president since 2021, after more than 20 years as opposition leader.
Insufficient
Among other things, Hichilema went to the election promising this very reform and the process took off in May, when the president confirmed the promise and started the legislative process.
In Zambian newspapers – such as the Lusaka Times online – leading opposition politicians claim that the reforms that have now been hammered through are not enough, but that a constitutional amendment and referendum are also required to completely eliminate the possibility of imposing the death penalty in Zambia in the future.
But according to human rights activist Brebner Changala, the decisions that have now been made are “a major milestone” in the work to remove colonial laws that do not fit into today’s democratic Zambia.
Freedom of expression is strengthened
The head of the organization Center for Policy Dialogue, Caroline Katotobwe, welcomes that freedom of expression in the country is now being strengthened.
— We are very happy that this oppressive law has now finally been removed. After all, it gives citizens the freedom to express their opinions without the risk of being brought to court, which was the case before, she says about the fact that it is no longer punishable to criticize the country’s leaders.
Since 1997, like many other countries, Zambia has had a so-called moratorium that stopped the execution of the death penalty.