Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) and Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign (TALC)
ZAMBIA HIGH COURT TO DECIDE WHETHER HIV-POSITIVE PRISONERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ADEQUATE FOOD
Lusaka – Just two days after World AIDS Day, the Zambia High Court will hear arguments on Monday 3 December in Mwanza and Another v Attorney General – a case brought by two HIV-positive individuals, who allege that poor prison conditions and the lack of adequate food provided to HIV-positive prisoners on treatment in the Lusaka Central Prison violated their human rights. The two are being represented by Legal Resources Chambers (LRC).
“Prisoners are already in an extremely vulnerable position due to their incarceration but the situation is far more serious for HIV-positive prisoners on treatment since a lack of food and poor conditions can mean the difference between life and death.” said Priti Patel, Deputy Director of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), which along with the Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign (TALC) has been following the case.
“It is essential that the High Court recognises the vulnerability of HIV-positive prisoners and insists that government provides all prisoners with adequate food and guarantees proper prison conditions,” said Moses Mazyopa, Acting Treatment Literacy Officer at TALC.
What: Zambia High Court will hear arguments in Mwanza and Another v Attorney General
Where: High Court, Lusaka, Zambia
When: Monday December 3, 09:00am
The case has been brought by two HIV-positive individuals regarding the treatment they allegedly experienced while incarcerated in the Lusaka Central Prison. Both men allege that they are on HIV treatment and are arguing that the lack of adequate food, abysmal prison conditions and barriers to accessing HIV treatment all violated their right to life and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment under the Zambian Constitution. The government has denied their allegations.
For more information:
Mary Chisanga, Acting Projects Officer, Legal Resources Foundation: Tel: +260 211 221 263; Email: lrf@zamtel.zm
Priti Patel, Deputy Director, SALC: Tel: + 27 (0)11 587 5065; Cell +27 (0)76 808 0505; Email: pritip@salc.org.za
Moses Mazyopa, Acting Treatment Literacy Officer, TALC, Tel: +260 211 236 278; Cell +260 (0)96 955 5170; Email: moses.mazyopa89@gmail.com
For live updates from the courtroom: @Follow_SALC
For background on the case: https://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/cases/ongoing-cases/zambia-right-to-food-for-hiv-positive-prisoners/
