The recent announcement by the President of Zambia is certainly a step in the right direction. President Hakainde Hichilema, on the eve of the Africa Day, announced his quest of abolishing the death penalty. It was an eventful day and received widespread support from Zambia and Africa. One of these supporters was Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, noted businessperson and philanthropist from Zambia. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is the founder of Prison Fellowship Zambia, a noted Christian Outreach Program developed with the objective of bringing the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ to the prisoners, ex-prisoners as well as their families in Zambia. Also, the program focusses on providing transparent criminal justice as well as opportunity for fundamental human rights along with fundamental human dignity for the prisoners residing in the Zambian prisons.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani stated that the practice of death penalty is inhumane, degrading and cruel and only a person who is passionate will be able to make such bold yet necessary statements. Also, the voice towards abolishing this inhumane practice is not new in Zambia as well as the world as several organizations and countries have already moved towards the practice of abolishing this inhumane law. Also, Dr. Rajan Mahtani stated that those who are working towards abolishing this practice are actually working towards assuring the inmates of the God’s rewards towards blessing and healing.
While raising his voice towards abolishing this inhumane practice, Dr. Rajan Mahtani also praised the decision from the Zambian President, identifying him as a compassionate and God-loving person who respects the fundamental law and fundamental human dignity. Dr. Rajan Mahtani further stated that there are more than 380 inmates across Zambian prisons who are awaiting death penalty trial and life is already tough for them. In a similar manner, several prisoners have transformed themselves by dedicating towards the service of the God and have become law abiding citizens. As such, the announcement by Dr. Mahtani is a step in the right direction.
