Lusaka High Court rules detention of 43 people unlawful, orders immediate release.

THE Lusaka High Court has ordered the immediate release of 43 people who had been detained at Chelstone Police Station for 21 days without being charged. The detainees, who included members of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), were taken into custody on August 14. The High Court ruled that their continued

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THE Lusaka High Court has ordered the immediate release of 43 people who had been detained at Chelstone Police Station for 21 days without being charged.

The detainees, who included members of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), were taken into custody on August 14.

The High Court ruled that their continued detention was unlawful after the detainees sought a habeas corpus order to have the legality of their incarceration determined.

The court heard that the 43 had been picked up from different places and in connection with various circumstances.

During the proceedings, the State confirmed that none of the 43 had been charged.

The State also informed the court that a firearm allegedly connected to the matter had already been registered with police and released to its owner.

In determining the matter, the High Court invoked constitutional safeguards on personal liberty and found that the State had not provided sufficient justification for continuing to hold the detainees.

The court consequently ordered their immediate release and awarded costs against the State.

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