CONSIDER GRANTING BAIL TO THOSE WHO HAVE APPEALED

THE EDITOR ZAMBIA OPINION.

The UPND government should consider granting bail to those who have appealed, ensuring their right to a fair hearing is upheld. This is particularly crucial as Zambia approaches the 2026 general elections, where promoting justice and equality will be key to maintaining public trust.

Key Considerations for the UPND Government

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• ** Upholding Human Rights**: Guaranteeing the right to bail aligns with international human rights standards, promoting justice and equality.
• Promoting Transparency: Allowing bail hearings to proceed transparently will foster public confidence in the judicial system.
• Maintaining Public Trust: As Zambia heads into the 2026 general elections, demonstrating commitment to fairness and justice will be vital.

Recommendations for the Government

• Review Bail Laws: Assess existing laws to ensure they align with international standards and promote fairness.
• Ensure Timely Hearings: Expedite bail hearings to prevent unnecessary delays and uphold the right to a fair trial.
• Foster Judicial Independence: Guarantee the judiciary’s independence to make impartial decisions on bail applications.

By adopting these measures, the UPND government can demonstrate its dedication to justice, equality, and human rights, ultimately strengthening its position ahead of the 2026 elections.

Note that todays Daily Nation paper reveals that Archbishop Dr Banda alick gave solidarity to youths in police custody who have stayed there for two months without trail or taken to court for insulting the president, potential negative impacts on society include:

Social and Political Implications

1. Perceived partiality: The church may be seen as taking a political stance, compromising its neutrality.
2. Legitimizing disrespect: Solidarity may be perceived as condoning disrespect towards authority figures.
3. Polarization: The gesture may exacerbate societal divisions and reinforce partisan tensions.

Moral and Ethical Concerns

1. Selective morality: Focus on specific detainees may imply unequal concern for others imprisoned.
2. Undermining authority: Supporting those who insult leaders may erode respect for institutions.
3. Mixed messaging: Confusion about what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Community and Interfaith Relations

1. Interfaith tensions: Other faith groups may view the gesture as exclusive or divisive.
2. Community divisions: Solidarity may reinforce existing social cleavages.
3. Decreased credibility: Perceptions of bias may diminish the church’s influence.

Legal and Judicial Implications

1. Undermining rule of law: Supporting detainees accused of illegal activities may challenge judicial authority.
2. Double standards: Differential treatment may raise concerns about equality before the law.

Potential Consequences

1. Increased tensions: Escalating tensions between supporters and critics of the government.
2. Decreased trust: Eroding public confidence in the church’s impartiality.
3. Radicalization: Emboldening extremist elements.

To mitigate these risks, the church could:

1. Clarify its stance on freedom of expression and respect for authority.
2. Emphasize inclusivity and support for all detainees.
3. Engage in dialogue promoting national unity and reconciliation.
4. Advocate for due process and judicial reform.
5. Here’s a statement emphasizing the importance of taking youths to court for insulting the president:

Ensuring Accountability and Upholding the Law

Taking youths to court for insulting the president serves several essential purposes:

1. Upholding the Rule of Law: Ensures accountability and equal application of justice, regardless of age or status.
2. Maintaining Social Order: Deters others from engaging in similar behavior, promoting respect for authority and institutions.
3. Protecting Free Speech Limits: Clarifies boundaries between freedom of expression and hate speech/defamation.
4. Promoting National Unity: Demonstrates commitment to addressing divisive rhetoric and fostering inclusive dialogue.
5. Educational Opportunity: Teaches youths about responsible citizenship, respect, and consequences of actions.

Ensuring Justice and Rehabilitation

The judicial process:

1. Provides a fair platform for youths to defend themselves.
2. Offers rehabilitation opportunities, guiding them toward constructive engagement.
3. Helps reintegrate them into society with newfound understanding.

Balancing Justice and Mercy

Courts can consider:

1. Age and maturity.
2. First-time offenses.
3. Genuine remorse.
4. Community service alternatives.

By seeking justice through the courts, Zambia promotes:

1. Respect for institutions.
2. Social cohesion.
3. Responsible citizenship.
4. Accountability.

Ends