BRUSSELS —Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has come under direct scrutiny from the European Parliament, which has condemned the killing of opposition member Mutotwe Kafwaya and warned of increased political repression under his administration.

In a resolution adopted on 17 September, the Parliament said it “condemns the killing of Mutotwe Kafwaya and the increase in political repression since the elections” held on 13 August.

According to the EU on 14 August state security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and “fatally shot” Kafwaya while arresting several opposition members.

It further states that Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu were detained.

Together with 16 others they were charged with treason, an offence that carries 20 years to life and no bail.

Lawyers for the accused have also reported difficulties accessing their clients in prison.

The EU also said that “on the last day for filing election petitions, the Zambian authorities closed court premises, thereby restricting access to justice.

Hichilema’s administration has been called upon for “independent and transparent investigations into all allegations of unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrest and intimidation.

The EU has also demanded an end to arbitrary detention and respect for fair trial rights.

It said detainees must be brought before “independent and impartial courts without delay.”