Update: Civil society groups ask State House to explain how Jay Jay Banda was brought back from Mozambique

Four civil society organisations have asked State House to explain the legal steps used to apprehend former Petauke Central MP Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda and bring him back to Zambia, saying the way a suspect is moved is a separate question from whether he should be prosecuted. In a joint statement led by LCK Freedom Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde and reported on Thursday 22 October, the groups asked whether he was extradited, deported or returned under some other arrangement, and whether the safeguards in the law were followed. The organisations say they are not defending Mr Banda. "Mr Banda must answer for any offences established against him through lawful proceedings," the statement says. They add that "the legality of prosecuting a fugitive is separate from the legality of the process" used to transfer him. They also asked the authorities to clarify his legal status, whether he has access to lawyers and family, and his medical condition, and to make sure his constitutional rights are respected. The statement is a reply to State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, who said on Tuesday 20 October that only "bogus" organisations could question the apprehension of a suspect who had publicly called for the assassination of the Head of State. He suggested the groups' position did not match what they had said on human rights before. The organisations reject that, saying they have criticised alleged abuses under both the previous and the current government. Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo had also asked why civil society had not spoken about Mr Banda's alleged violations against President Hakainde Hichilema. Mr Lubinda, the former Justice Minister, said separately that Mr Banda should be treated like any other citizen under the law and presented before a court within 48 hours. Police confirmed on Friday 16 October that they had apprehended Mr Banda, who escaped lawful custody in August 2024 while b