LAZ urges urgent reopening of Zambian courts after security closure

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is calling for the immediate restoration of access to courts following the closure of judicial premises nationwide on Monday.

LAZ said heavily armed military personnel were deployed around court premises in Lusaka, and some areas were sealed off with tape marked “Crime Scene.” The association said the closure occurred without a formal public explanation regarding the reasons, geographic scope, expected duration or arrangements to ensure continued access to justice.

In a statement issued Aug. 24, LAZ President Arnold Kaluba said the organization has seen an unsigned memorandum to Judiciary staff communicating the closure, but no official information has been provided to legal practitioners, litigants or the public.

The association said the shutdown has immediate implications for access to justice, particularly for urgent matters including bail applications, habeas corpus and criminal proceedings. It cited Article 13(3) of the Constitution, which requires that a person detained be brought before a court without undue delay.

LAZ also raised concerns about the timing of the closure during the 7-day period under Article 103(1) of the Constitution in which a person may petition the Constitutional Court to nullify the election of a President-elect. The association said the closure creates a risk that individuals seeking to exercise that right may be prejudiced by lack of access to court registries and judicial officers.