Zambia 'makes big decision' to abolish death penalty
Zambia is making moves to abolish the death penalty, President Hakainde Hichilema has announced.
He termed it a "big decision" by the government.
“We will work with parliament to run this process as we transition away from the death penalty and focus on the preservation, rehabilitation of life while still delivering justice for all,” he said on the eve of Wednesday’s Africa Freedom Day.
“This is important. We believe in it. Africa Freedom Day is a symbol of our collective commitment to secure a better future for all.”
To mark Africa Freedom Day tomorrow, we have asked Parliament to consider removing the death penalty from the laws of #Zambia. pic.twitter.com/c2yymALwC5
— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) May 24, 2022
Though Zambia has had the death penalty law, no executions have taken place since the late 90s.