Teens aged 15 and 16 Acquitted
15 year old Prince* and his 16 year old neighbor, Jairos*, were in 9th grade when they were arrested and accused of a serious crime.
When their case began in the Lusaka Subordinate Court, UP Zambia stepped in to provide free legal representation. The teens were able to access bail and their families worked together with UP Zambia to put forward a solid defense.
The presiding juvenile court made every effort to have the case completed in an efficient manner and the case reached judgement stage within three months.
Last week the juvenile court found that the teens were innocent and that there was insufficient evidence linking them to the crime of which they were accused.
UP Zambia will continue to support the teens as they move forward with their lives and re-enroll in school.
*names have been changed to protect identities
