The Human Rights Commission has accused the Zambia Police of recklessness and excitement in their operation involving protest at the University of Zambia last week.
Students at the varsity took to the streets to protest over delays in the release of their project allowances but in a brutal and forceful response, the Zambia Police used teargas canisters in the hostels and University Clinic.
More than 50 students were arrested most of whom missed their examinations that were due the following day.
HRC spokesperson Samuel Kasankha says as much as the commission despises the action by students to make their grievances known, what is of great concern to the commission is the regular reckless and excitement by police whenever called upon to maintain or restore law and order.
Kasankha said in a statement that only a small number of students were involved in the blocking of the road.
He urged there was was no need for the police to throw teargas canisters into rooms where the majority of innocent students were either studying or resting.
Kasankha advised police to always exercise caution at all times and bear in mind that even when called upon to maintain law and order, they are dealing with human beings whose rights to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, must be preserved.
He also announced that HRC is happy that 600 inmates were transferred from Mukobeko maximum prison to the new Mwembeshi prison.
Kasankha said the development is a part fulfillment in the commission’s long held plea for de-congestion of prisons to ensure inmates are kept in more human conditions.
He, however, states that the commission will issue a more comprehensive statement on the matter once consultations are concluded with relevant authorities.
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