Human rights commission condemns excessive force by Zambia Police on UNZA students

The Human Rights Commission is concerned at the manner in which police dealt with the protesting students at the University of Zambia campus last week and the continued acts of malicious damage on private citizens by the Students during protests.

Preliminary report of the investigations carried out by the Commission has revealed that the Police did use excessive force on the students. It is regrettable that the police threw teargas canisters into the University clinic which is a health facility and had patients being attended to at the time of the protest with an allegation of one patient being taken into police custody.

The Commission condemns these acts by the police in the strongest terms. Acts of violence by the Police reinforces mistrust between the police and the general public. Law Enforcement Officers are there to keep law and order and this should not de-generate into violence. It calls for assertive policing as opposed to police brutality.

The Commission appeals to the Zambia Police Service to adopt assertive policing methods and better management skills of handling public protests as opposed to the use of excessive force. It is important for Zambia Police to continue equipping their officers with appropriate and high quality skills of managing public protests.

The Commission recognizes the important role the police play in suppressing disturbances which threaten life and property through acceptable means and thereby maintaining or restoring social order in the nation.

The Commission is hopeful that the Police Command will investigate the alleged police brutality with the necessary speed and ensure action is taken against those that will be found wanting.
By the same token, acts of violence by University students on members of the public cannot be condoned. It is unacceptable that Students believe that they are justified in causing malicious damage to property of private citizens as a way of resolving their grievances. Such conduct must be condemned by all.

The Constitutional Right to gather or demonstrate to express oneself guaranteed by the Freedom of speech and Assembly comes with the pre-requisite of it being exercised in a PEACEFUL manner.
Violent protests and use of excessive force should be regarded as a serious violation of basic human rights and can threaten rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
Issued by:

Florence Chibwesha
Director
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION