CSOs CHALLENGE STATE HOUSE OVER JAY JAY BANDA’S RETURN
Four civil society organisations have challenged State House to explain the legal procedures followed in the apprehension and return of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda from Mozambique to Zambia.
The organisations say their concerns do not amount to defending Mr Banda, who faces criminal charges, but are aimed at ensuring that the law is followed regardless of a person’s political standing or alleged offences.
In a joint statement, the organisations, led by LCK Freedom Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde, say the legality of prosecuting a fugitive is separate from the legality of the process used to apprehend and transfer that person between countries.
They have questioned whether Mr Banda was extradited, deported or returned under another arrangement, and whether the applicable legal safeguards were followed.
The organisations also defended their human rights record, rejecting suggestions by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka that their concerns over Mr Banda’s apprehension were inconsistent with their previous positions on human rights abuses.
They say they have consistently spoken against alleged abuses of State power under both the previous and current administrations, adding that Mr Banda must answer for any offences established against him through lawful proceedings.
The organisations have also called on authorities to clarify Mr Banda’s legal status, access to lawyers and family, and medical condition, while ensuring that his constitutional rights are respected.
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It was a military exercise.
The details of such exercises are not in the public domain.
Exactly, such information cannot be in the public domain. Can you imagine the naivity of the Linda Kasonde and them NGO’s! The big picture is that the fugitive was apprehended and brought to justice. But Amnesty International and these NGOs are focusing on other possible little legal issues.
It was illegal, so what? Nicholas Maduro was extracted illegally, so what? Iran has been bombed illegally so what?
You have exposed your side madam. Just join politics and face it the ring. Do people urinate in another’s mouth and get away with it? This was no BJ. You dig it?