Zambia’s Suspended Judges Challenge President’s Decision in Court
Three suspended Constitutional Court judges in Zambia – Justice Annie Mwewa Sitali, Justice Mugeni Siwale Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda – have taken a significant step by filing an application for judicial review against President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to suspend them from office due to alleged professional misconduct.
The judges have cited the Attorney General as the respondent and are seeking an order to stay the proceedings of the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), scheduled for September 30, 2024.
They argue that the JCC’s decision to reopen and hear a matter related to the handling of the petition between Hakainde Hichilema and Edgar Lungu is unwarranted and infringes upon their rights as judicial officers.
This development has sparked widespread debate about the independence of the judiciary and its potential implications for judicial accountability and governance in Zambia.
The outcome of this application for judicial review will be closely monitored, as it may set a precedent for the relationship between the judiciary and the executive.
