By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
The Human Rights commission says institutions involved in the administration of criminal justice system have an obligation to uphold the rule of law, constitutionalism and human rights.
Commission’s Chairperson Mudford Mwandenga says President Hakainde Hichilema has set a clear national agenda for respect of human rights.
Mr Mwandenga said the commission is delighted with President Hichilema’s directive to the police to ensure thorough investigations are carried out before arresting suspects.
“The commission is pleased with the President’s pronouncement that police must not hesitate to grant bond for bondable offences to guard against the violation of human rights, the move is consistent with Section 33 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act, which stipulates that suspects arrested must be taken to court within 24 hours or be granted police bond,” he said.
He said that the commission is looking forward to seeing the Presidential directives implemented by the Law Enforcement Agencies.
Mr Mwandenga also thanked President Hichilema for advising the courts to uphold the constitutional right of accused persons by considering granting them bail with relaxed conditions.
