Release Tukuta unconditionally – HH

21.06.2020

United Party for National Development (UPND) leader, Hakainde Hichilema has demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of Photographer, Chella Tukuta.

Addressing journalists shortly after visiting Tukuta at Lusaka Central Police Station this afternoon, Mr Hichilema wondered why Mr Tukuta has been remanded in custody for more than the stipulated 48 hours.

Mr Hichilema charged that it was against the law for someone to be remanded in custody for more than the stipulated 48 hours without trial, stating that the law provided for a quick and fair trial of those deemed to have broken the law.

Mr Hichilema wondered why the State had taken keen interest in prosecuting Mr Tukuta when the offence he was charged with was against individuals.

Mr Tukuta was on Thursday arrested and charged with criminal libel among other charges, a situation that has seen most human rights activists, the academia and other stakeholders condemn the arrest and call for the PF regime to respect and uphold human rights.

UPND MEDIA TEAM