Chronicle Editor
Lusaka — Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has expressed concern over what he described as “inhuman prison conditions”, as he marked 100 days in prison since being incarcerated.
Writing on his Facebook page on Thursday, the wealthy business, who was also the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), said he harboured no hate against anyone, adding that his love for his country had not changed.
Hichilema said that despite the crimes that the inmates had committed, they deserved to be treated humanely, “in accordance with local and international conventions regarding the treatment of people and respect for human rights”.
He said that it was even worse for those who were still looking for answers as to what crimes they had committed but were “already being punished under these inhuman conditions”.
Hichilema was recently charged with treason.
Authorities alleged that he blocked President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade with his own convoy of vehicles during a traditional ceremony in the country’s western province in April.
They said that Hichilema’s motorcade did not yield after presidential security guards signalled for it to get out of the way.
He was moved to Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe in June and it was unclear when he would be back in court. — AFP
Online Reporter