CITIZENS PETITION CHIEF JUSTICE FOR TRANSPARENCY IN POLITICAL TRIALS
By Gladson Mbasela
Lusaka, 22 September 2026 — In a move aimed at bolstering public trust in Zambia’s justice system, brothers Edward Moonga and Owen Mukando have formally petitioned His Lordship the Chief Justice to introduce live broadcasts of trials involving individuals incarcerated on political-related charges.
The petition, submitted on Tuesday, calls for such cases to be heard in camera during preliminary stages, but to be televised once trials commence. According to the brothers, this measure would allow citizens to follow proceedings directly, reducing reliance on speculation and misinformation.
“We believe transparency is the cornerstone of justice. Broadcasting these trials will give the public a clear picture of what led to the arrests and subsequent trials,” the petition reads in part.
The brothers emphasized that their request is not only about safeguarding the rights of the accused but also about protecting the reputation of President Hakainde Hichilema and the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). They argued that unchecked rumors and false narratives have the potential to tarnish the image of the Head of State and his administration.
Observers note that the petition comes at a time when Zambia’s political climate is under scrutiny, with debates over freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the handling of politically sensitive cases dominating public discourse. Legal experts say the proposal could set a precedent for judicial openness, though it may also raise questions about privacy and security in high-profile trials.
The Chief Justice has yet to issue a formal response, but the petition has already sparked conversations among civil society groups and legal practitioners about the balance between transparency and judicial process.
For Edward and Owen, the act of petitioning represents a citizen-led push for accountability. “Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done,” they insisted, echoing a principle that has long guided democratic societies.
