The organisation documented 14 apparent enforced disappearances, 61 alleged beatings and other violent abuses and 71 potentially politically motivated arrests or prolonged detentions without charge.
The findings appear in the Report, Zambia: Widespread Repression in Post-Election Crackdown.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Monday, HRW Africa Advocacy Director Allan Ngari said the research was based on interviews and court documents. “An election victory gives a government authority to govern, but it does not give security forces permission to abuse people,” Ngari said.
Opposition supporters, lawyers, journalists and other government critics were among those allegedly targeted by police and military personnel.
Ngari said the crackdown created fear extending beyond those detained or assaulted. “When people fear punishment for political participation, public debate and scrutiny suffer,” Ngari said.
Human Rights Watch said authorities cordoned off courts on August 24, the deadline for challenging the presidential election results.
Some people intending to file election petitions were reportedly detained. “A government cannot urge people to resolve disputes peacefully through courts while denying people the opportunity to use those courts,” Ngari said.
The organisation also called for an independent investigation into the killing of Opposition Leader Mutoto Kafuya.
Police reportedly described Kafuya’s death as resulting from an exchange of gunfire, while opposition figures provided a different account.
“The circumstances remain contested,” Ngari said. “What matters is an independent investigation rather than presenting either account as conclusively established.”
Ngari said Zambia’s Constitution and laws provided sufficient mechanisms to investigate the killing if responsible institutions were allowed to operate without political interference.
HRW urged law-enforcement and prosecution authorities to investigate alleged abuses and ensure that anyone responsible faced accountability. “Protecting rights is essential for public confidence,” Ngari said.
The organisation said Zambia’s government should demonstrate commitment to the rule of law through the treatment of detainees, the independence of courts and credible investigations into alleged abuses.
–ChannelAfrica–
