Explain Judiciary closure, LAZ demands

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has sharply criticized the recent three-day closure of courts across the country, demanding that the Judiciary provide transparent directions on how pending applications, legal deadlines, and urgent cases affected by the shutdown will be handled. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, LAZ President Arnold Kaluba emphasized that while the eventual reopening of judicial complexes is welcome, it does not automatically erase the administrative and legal chaos caused by the abrupt interruption of court services. Beginning on Monday, court premises in Lusaka and other provinces were unexpectedly closed, with heavy security presence and police sealing off facilities under security pretexts. The sudden closure created profound uncertainty for litigants, detainees seeking bail, and lawyers trying to file time-sensitive documents. Crucially, the shutdown coincided with critical post-election windows, sparking widespread public anxiety and concern from various stakeholders regarding constitutional rights and access to justice. Mr. Kaluba noted that despite spirited engagements between LAZ and judicial authorities, the association has yet to receive a comprehensive and satisfactory explanation detailing the exact scope, duration, and legal basis for the emergency closure. He pointed out that while national security concerns can occasionally necessitate extraordinary measures, security cannot serve as a blanket justification for indefinitely locking citizens out of the justice system. Furthermore, LAZ stressed that alternative mechanisms for emergency filings must always be established to safeguard constitutional guarantees. Looking forward, the legal fraternity is urging the Judiciary to formulate a robust, formal institutional framework to manage future emergencies without compromising access to courts. Such a framework, LAZ argues, must explicitly outline procedures for urgent applications, tolling of statutory deadlines, and transp