The recent announcement made by Zambian President has certainly stirred the entire nation. President Hakainde Hichilema, on the eve of Africa Day, announced his plans to abolish the death penalty law from its core. 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 focusses on bringing the teachings and learnings of Jesus Christ to the inmates from Zambia. Also, the organization focusses on providing effective as well as fair criminal justice along with fundamental human rights for the inmates in Zambia.
After the Zambian President made this bold announcement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani via his company Prison Fellowship extended his full support towards this bold statement. Dr. Rajan Mahtani stated that only an individual who is compassionate, has respect for human dignity and fundamental human rights will be able to make such decision. Also, Dr. Rajan Mahtani highlighted the fact that giving death penalty does not necessarily solve the issue of rising corruption and illegal practices across the nation. There are more than 380 inmates in Zambia facing death penalty and among them around 25-30 are women. For them, every day is a death penalty as they know that everyday can be their day of execution. At the same time, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has also observed that with the right motivation and preaching, several inmates and ex-inmates have completely transformed their lives and have dedicated towards the services of the God.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani further stated that reaching the goal of official legal reform from mere announcement is a long journey for the President. However, Dr. Rajan Mahtani through his company Prison Fellowship have pledged their full support towards this reform.