8 HRA members released on bail
First Grade Magistrate Amran Phiri has released on bail 8 members of the Human Rights Ambassadors who were arrested on 20 July as they were holding demonstrations.
They were charged with an act of intentional disrespect to judicial proceedings and proposing violence at an assembly.
In his ruling, the Magistrate has indicated that the accused are leaders of a human rights group and were supposed to be the first to uphold the rule of law as well as observe other people’s rights.
Conditions are that each must produce one surety bonded at K150,000 cash, pay K500,000 bond non cash and report to police once every fortnight.
They are further expected to get permission from a regional prosecutions officer before leaving a region and should surrender travel documents if any.
The 8 were arrested mainly for defying a High Court injunction that was stopping their demos.