Serving inmates and suspects entitled to fundamental human rights

The Human Rights Commission says both serving inmates and suspects that are in holding facilities should be allowed to exercise their fundamental human rights.

Speaking during an inspection of holding facilities in Chipata district yesterday, Human Rights Commissioner, Arckson Zulu, says there is need for officers in correctional services facilities and police stations, to refrain from beating suspects as a way of getting them to give out information.

Mr. Zulu said it is the duty of officers to investigate and come up with evidence to prove suspects guilty.

He noted that from the inspection, it has been observed that, most holding facilities are congested, a thing he said was not conducive for people.

Mr. Zulu stated that among the visited facilities, correctional facilities such as Namuseche in Chipata and Kazulabowa in Katete are congested by remandees.

He noted that remandees are more than those convicted.
He stressed that it is unfortunate that despite most suspects being charged for bailable offences, most of them have been in detention for more than a month.

He further urged the judiciary and police to allow suspects with bailable offences to be granted police bonds in order to decongest the cells.
Breezefm