The European Union welcomes the step taken by President Hakainde Hichilema to abolish the death penalty in Zambia.

The Penal Code Amendment Bill was assented by the President repealing all provisions of the Penal Code imposing the death penalty. 

Zambia had maintained a moratorium on the death penalty since the last execution in 1997.

This achievement sends a powerful signal to countries in the region and around the world, contributing to the gradual abolition of the death penalty in Africa and beyond. 

The death penalty is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The European Union strongly opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and will continue to work for its abolition worldwide.

In addition, the European Union welcomes the abolition, on the same occasion, of the offence of criminal defamation of the president. This represents a clear signal of Zambia’s engagement on the path to consolidating democracy and protecting human rights in the country.