Recent Decision From Zambian President Receives Praise From Dr. Mahtani

President Hakainde Hichilema, on the eve of Africa Day, announced that he is planning to abolish the cruel, inhumane and degrading practice of death penalty. This announcement quickly became a national news a caught the attention of journalists, businessmen and lawmakers. Also, the announcement has received widespread support including noted businessman and philanthropist Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. Dr. Mahtani founded the Prison Fellowship Zambia more than three decades ago and is currently the Chairman of this organization. It is a noted Christian Outreach Program that focusses on bringing the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ to the inmates, ex-inmates and their families in Zambia. It also works towards ensuring transparent criminal justice for the inmates along with providing them with basic human dignity and fundamental human rights. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani has extended his full support towards this bold announcement by the Zambian President. Dr. Rajan Mahtani further added his voice in this debate by stating that killing of convicts do not provide any solutions to the underlying problems. As such, his firm Prison Fellowship has pledged its support towards full abolishment of this death penalty as well as looking forward towards tangible and ethical legal reforms. Dr. Mahtani further stated that making announcements is certainly a step in the right direction by the Zambian government. However, making this decision in a reality is a long path and there is need for significant legal reforms to achieve this dream. As such, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has extended his full support towards this announcement.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani further stated that there are more than 350 prisoners in Zambia under the death row and for them, each day is a dreadful one as it can be their last day. Also, Dr. Rajan Mahtani stated that he had the privilege of watching several inmates transforming themselves by dedicating themselves towards Jesus and his teachings and becoming a law abiding citizens. Dr. Rajan Mahtani also praised the Zambian President by stating that only a compassionate person will be able to make such announcements.