Rights campaigner asks Amnesty to weigh Jay Jay Banda allegations as well as his arrest

Rights advocate Sikaile Sikaile has asked Amnesty International to review the full record of allegations against Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda, and not only the circumstances of his arrest. Mr Sikaile cited the 2016 assault of journalist Peter Sukwa, broadcasts in which Mr Banda allegedly called for President Hichilema to be killed and for members of the Tonga community to be eliminated, and his broadcasts during the 2026 election period. "Calls for the assassination of a political leader cannot simply be dismissed as political criticism," he said. None of the allegations has been tested in court, and Mr Banda has not been convicted of them. Mr Banda escaped custody at Chipata General Hospital in August 2024. His case was committed to the High Court in July 2025, and police confirmed his return to custody on 16 October. He now faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated robbery and escape from lawful custody. Amnesty International had earlier asked for him to be given access to a lawyer and a health check, as covered in the 18 October edition. State House's Clayson Hamasaka called the organisation hypocritical. Whitney Mulobela said the Government accepts some of its points, namely medical care, lawyer access, family contact and a prompt court appearance, but rejects its reference to non-refoulement. The Tonse Alliance's Anthony Chibuye has alleged selective justice. **Source:** Lusaka Times, by Moses Musokotwane, 07:22 CAT, 19 October. [https://www.lusakatimes.com/2026/10/19/jay-jay-banda-case-rights-advocate-asks-amnesty-to-weigh-the-allegations-as-well-as-the-arrest/](https://www.lusakatimes.com/2026/10/19/jay-jay-banda-case-rights-advocate-asks-amnesty-to-weigh-the-allegations-as-well-as-the-arrest/)