Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, the owner of the noted Christian Outreach Program Prison Fellowship Zambia, recently came in support of the recent announcement made by the Zambian President. On the special occasion of Africa Day, President Hakainde Hichilema announced his plans to abolish the death penalty row. Since this announcement, several positive responses have been gathered. One of the biggest supporters of this announcement has been Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, who extended his support via his company Prison Fellowship Zambia. His institution Prison Fellowship Zambia is a noted Christian Outreach Program established more than three decades ago. Prison Fellowship focuses on establishing transparent criminal justice for patients, ensuring they are not devoid of fundamental human rights and basic human dignity. Prison Fellowship also focuses on bringing the teachings of Jesus Christ to the prisoners. As such, the present announcement by the Zambian President aligns with the objectives and goals of the Prison Fellowship. Furthermore, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has also stated that his company Prison Fellowship will provide legal and regulatory support for this decision.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani has further supported this movement from the Zambian President by stating that the majority of Presidents in the past have avoided the death penalty by using mercy prerogatives. The last death penalty was given in the year 1997 by President Frederick Chiluba and since then, capital punishments have been avoided tactically. However, none of these Presidents actually worked towards creating a reform that would abolish this cruel and inhumane law from its core. Dr. Rajan Mahtani further praised the decision by the Zambian President by stating that only an individual who respects fundamental human rights, respects equality for life, and is compassionate will be able to make such decisions.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani further iterated that the concept of the death penalty makes no sense when the Zambian government itself is involved in the strategic decongestion of prisons by collaborating with institutions like Parole Board Zambia and Correctional facilities. As such, President’s decision is a step in the right direction.