In brief
Zambia’s High Court, Supreme Court and other tribunals are sealed off as the Monday deadline for filing a petition against the June 13 election approaches. Opposition hopeful Brian Mundubile plans to challenge the result, while president Hakainde Hichilema awaits inauguration. An unusual police presence and armed men have been reported at the closed courts, prompting worries that they are shielding judges from filing. Lawyers were asked to leave, and the Law Association of Zambia raised alarm over access to justice. Despite the closures, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration at National Heroes Stadium continue.
Court premises in Lusaka and elsewhere have been sealed off as the deadline for filing a petition against the recent presidential election approaches.
Police have been reported on some courts, and the premises are taped off to prevent access.
Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile said he would challenge the election result, citing irregularities after finishing second with 38% of the vote. Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema won a second term with 60%.
Lawyers who arrived on Monday were asked to leave. A lawyer recalled that three armed men approached his vehicle, identified themselves, and instructed him to leave.
The High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, and several local courts are among those closed.
There is no official explanation for the closures, and the judiciary has not indicated when the courts will reopen. A directive from a judiciary official warned staff not to report for work on the grounds of security reasons.
Some commentators question the closure and the independence of the judiciary. Emmanuel Mwamba, a prominent opposition voice, alleged the action was aimed at preventing Mundubile from filing his petition.
The Law Association of Zambia expressed concern over the presence of heavily armed military personnel around court premises, saying the closure has immediate implications for access to justice, especially for urgent cases.
Meanwhile, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration are proceeding. The youth and sport ministry issued a media invitation to accompany a cabinet official to inspect arrangements at National Heroes Stadium, the expected venue for the ceremony.
Mundubile remains in a secure location under the protection of an “international human rights body” after the arrests of opposition figures and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid.
Amnesty International called the killing deeply alarming and urged a thorough, impartial investigation. The lawyer’s association demanded the same.
