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The Zambian government has again reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and the rule of law, with the Office of the Attorney-General stating that there were no prisoners of conscience or political prisoners in the country.
Acting Attorney General, Marshal Muchende, was responding to concerns raised by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association following the General Elections held on August, 13, 2026.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Muchende said Zambia remained a sovereign constitutional democracy and a State Party to key international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
He also restated Zambia’s commitment to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Muchende, who is also Solicitor General, said the country’s human rights obligations must be understood within the framework of the Constitution and national laws.
“We wish to place on record that there are no prisoners of conscience or political prisoners in Zambia,” he said.
Muchende added that the Constitution did not confer immunity from criminal liability on the basis of political status, nor did it permit discrimination or preferential treatment for persons alleged to have committed criminal offences.
He referenced the recent facilitation by the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General of the handover of certain persons of interest who had sought refuge at the United Nations House in Lusaka.
“This principle was underscored by the recent facilitation by the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General of the handover of certain persons of interest who had sought refuge at the United Nations House in Lusaka, enabling them to be subjected to the due process of the law, before the relevant authorities in Zambia,” he said.
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Muchende stated that the government’s position was consistent with Article 1A(2) of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which required a well-founded fear of persecution for refugee protection.
He said the decision by the UN system not to accord the persons concerned refuge or protection was consistent with the Government’s position that there was no established basis to conclude that they faced persecution or a threat to their lives or liberty on account of their political views or affiliation.
The acting Attorney-General clarified that persons recently apprehended by the Zambia Police Service had been charged with serious offences.
“The persons recently apprehended by the Zambia Police Service are not prisoners of conscience or political prisoners. They have been charged with serious offences, including treason and terrorism-related offences,” Muchende stated.
He said this was arising from allegations of sponsoring, aiding and abetting unlawful paramilitary training, as well as other conduct alleged to be contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Muchende said the matters before the Courts related to national security and public safety, including allegations of possession of military-grade weapons.
“Every sovereign State has both the right and the responsibility to protect its constitutional order, its people and its territorial integrity from terrorism, unlawful armed formations, private militias and attempts to undermine the State through violence or insurrection,” he said
Muchende reiterated that all persons in Zambia were entitled to the full protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including rights to life, liberty, expression, association and conscience, which may only be limited in accordance with the law.
He added that that Zambia valued its longstanding partnership with the United Nations and remained committed to constructive engagement, dialogue and technical cooperation in promoting human rights and the rule of law.
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