Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sinkamba asks President Hichilema to pardon all cannabis-related offenders in prison

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Green Party has asked President Hichilema to pardon 7,000 cannabis-related offenders in prison, saying the president knows the conditions of the prisons better than he does and should release all the 7,000 cannabis-related offenders to decongest them, adding this is in line with the powers of the prerogative of mercy.

According to Mr Sinkamba argument, unlike assault, where there is a victim who sustains injuries and permanent scars, cannabis-related offences are no worse than prostitution, pimping, loitering, and operating brothels or indeed shebeens.

“Ironically, cannabis offences are typically victimless offences. There is no victim involved, like is the case with murder and manslaughter, where someone loses a life consequent to the commission of the crime. Nor are cannabis offences like assault, where there is a victim who sustains injuries and permanent scars,” said Sinkamba.

“Most importantly, with the 19th May 2021 enactment of the Cannabis Act No. 33 of 2021; Industrial Hemp Act No. 34 of 2021; and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No.35 of 2021, it is imperative for Zambia to start afresh on the cannabis-related offences.”

Sinkamba said the pardoning of the said inmates will be very good for the nation.

“In view of the foregoing, I make an earnest appeal to President Bally (Hichilema) to consider releasing all the 7,000-plus cannabis-related offenders on his first list of prisoners to be released in the exercise of his powers of the prerogative of mercy.

“This will be very good for the nation because it not only signifies a fresh start due to the Nation’s new national approach to cannabis but also as means of genuine decongestion of prisons, which conditions President Bally knows better than I do,” said Sinkamba.

10 COMMENTS

  1. I agree with Sinkamba, set’em free n create space for the more serious crimes. Here in Na Canada ,it’s legal , all you’ve to do is walk into the store n get what you want based on THC levels. I am glad to be here as I find a lot of benefits in back pain reduction, gives me appetite n the …x ooh is off the chain music, movies,

  2. You are talking sense now Mr Sinkamba. I have been a “Green Party” member for many years. Legalize it!!!

  3. Most of those in prison aren’t there for smoking but trafficking. It’s a serious offense to traffic in psychotropic substances that include cannabis. Information available is that prominent persons bring hard stuff from DRC and some parts of Eastern and Muchinga provinces into Lusaka and Kopala that they distribute amongst targeted youths. These are the violent cadres and they’re hired to sort out political opponents. So Sinkamba can’t call for a wholesale release of these offenders. When they’re in prison they lose contact with others and some can reform and lead the Police to their masters. There are many youths whose lives get wasted in such activities. So I advise Peter not to make populist calls without weighing the consequences. Let the people in charge decide who’s eligible…

  4. We all wish to decongest the prisons but at
    The same time we donot want Zambians to
    Start smoking and dealing in cannabis.let
    The new dawn release the prisoners as one
    Time gesture but not always.

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  5. Sinksmba speaks sense. We have seen convicted murderers being pardoned. Premeditated murders pardoned..after killing innocent people. Their families losding a beloved one yet keith the lawyer and mohan business men released

  6. @Ayatollah even a ganja smoker is quick to know what’s up. Is it a crime to be a cadre? Should I be victimised for being a cadre?

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  7. Cannabis, Cannabis…nasty stuff! Why has it become so prevalent in Zambia recently? This is not child’s play – it can permanently affect one’s behaviour. Notwithstanding, imprisoning users for using cannabis is not justifiable, especially as they have not killed anyone! I think cannabis users, like drug & alcohol abusers, need help, not punishment.

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