LAZ urges urgent reopening of Zambian courts after security closure

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is calling for the immediate restoration of access to courts following the closure of judicial premises nationwide on Monday. LAZ said heavily armed military personnel were deployed around court premises in Lusaka, and some areas were sealed off with tape marked "Crime Scene." The association said the closure occurred

Audio article Listen to this story Share Send this story

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is calling for the immediate restoration of access to courts following the closure of judicial premises nationwide on Monday.

LAZ said heavily armed military personnel were deployed around court premises in Lusaka, and some areas were sealed off with tape marked “Crime Scene.” The association said the closure occurred without a formal public explanation regarding the reasons, geographic scope, expected duration or arrangements to ensure continued access to justice.

In a statement issued Aug. 24, LAZ President Arnold Kaluba said the organization has seen an unsigned memorandum to Judiciary staff communicating the closure, but no official information has been provided to legal practitioners, litigants or the public.

The association said the shutdown has immediate implications for access to justice, particularly for urgent matters including bail applications, habeas corpus and criminal proceedings. It cited Article 13(3) of the Constitution, which requires that a person detained be brought before a court without undue delay.

LAZ also raised concerns about the timing of the closure during the 7-day period under Article 103(1) of the Constitution in which a person may petition the Constitutional Court to nullify the election of a President-elect. The association said the closure creates a risk that individuals seeking to exercise that right may be prejudiced by lack of access to court registries and judicial officers.

The association noted that while exceptional security concerns may require temporary measures, such actions must be lawful, proportionate and must not impede judicial functions or deny reasonable access to justice. It referenced Article 122 of the Constitution, which guarantees the autonomy of the Judiciary.

LAZ called on the Judiciary to urgently restore court operations, establish alternative arrangements for urgent filings, prioritize matters affecting personal liberty, protect filing deadlines, and publicly communicate the legal basis for the security measures.

LAZ said it is engaging the Chief Justice and the Attorney General and will continue to monitor developments.

Advertisement Advertise here Reach readers inside premium article pages.

Engage with this story

Comment 0Likes 0Reactions 0Comments 0Shares Be the first reader to react to this story

Discussion

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts. Let's keep it respectful and constructive.

Start the discussion Sort by: No comments yetBe the first to bring a thoughtful perspective to this story. Comment as a guest No account is needed. Sign in only if you want your comment tied to your profile. Sign in instead