The President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, recently made a stunning announcement that has certainly stirred the entire nation. On the eve of Africa Day, it was announced his plans to abolish the death penalty law. This statement from the Zambian President attracted mixed responses from the public, with more people supporting this move. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, a noted businessman, philanthropist, and charity worker from Zambia, has extended his support towards this announcement made by the Zambian President. Dr. Rajan Mahtani founded the Prison Fellowship Zambia (PFZ) more than three decades ago. It is a well-established Christian Outreach Program that focuses on bringing the teachings and learnings of Jesus Christ to the inmates of Zambia. Also, the organization focuses on providing effective as well as fair criminal justice along with fundamental human rights for the inmates in Zambia.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, while supporting the announcement by the Zambian President, stated that giving the death penalty does not provide any solution for the Zambian government. It is a crude, inhumane and degrading law that is against fundamental human rights. Furthermore, the present condition of Zambian prisons is extremely degrading. Visits from vice-presidents have indicated that the condition of these prisons is well-beyond repair. In response, the Zambian government is collaborating with institutes such as the Parole Board Zambia and Zambian Correctional Facilities for strategic decongestion of Zambian prisons and release of Zambian prisoners after their complete transformation. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani has hailed this decision and also praised the announcement made by the Zambian President. He stated that while past presidents have strategically avoided this issue, President Hakainde has boldly dealt with the issue.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani further stated that reaching the goal of official legal reform from the mere announcement is a long journey for the President. However, Dr. Rajan Mahtani through his company Prison Fellowship Zambia has pledged their full support towards this reform, with full regulatory and legal support.