Dr. Rajan Mahtani, in a recent interview at the Mast newspaper from Zambia, provided his full support towards the latest announcement from the Zambian President. President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, on the occasion of Africa Day, announced his plans for supporting death penalty abolishment. This announcement has received widespread support, including that of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and his organization Prison Fellowship Zambia. It is a Christian Outreach program which focusses on providing the gospel and teachings from Jesus Christ to the inmates of Zambia.
Adding his support to the Zambian President’s announcement, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani further stated that death penalty simply does not resolve the issue of corruption and crime in Zambia. He also stated that his company Prison Fellowship has been able to transform the lives of several inmates who are now completely dedicated towards the services of the gods. Majority of the Presidents in the past have refused to give death penalty or execution orders. The last death penalty order was signed by late Zambian President Frederick in the year 1997. It has been found that Presidents often use prerogative mercies to release inmates with the objective of decongesting the prisons. At the same time, very few Presidents have actually engaged in complete abolishment of this cruel and inhumane practice. As such, the decision from the present Zambian President was a surprise move and a positive one. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani commended the President Hichilema and his decision towards as it respects the fundamental rights of the Prisoners.
Several organizations have started to take initiatives after reports of the inhumane, degrading and challenging conditions of the Zambian prisons have occurred in the past. For instance, the PBZ (Parole Board of Zambia) along with the Correctional Service of Zambia has been able to release prisoners who have shown significant change and transformation in their lives. As such, the announcement of abolishing death penalty is also a step in the right direction and Dr. Mahtani provides his full support.