THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) says it is actively monitoring the exercise of political and civil rights ahead of the August elections. HRC Director General Mbololwa Wamunyima says the Commission remains committed to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to personal liberty and a fair hearing. The Commission’s comments follow the arrest and detention of former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu on charges of communicating certain information, seditious practices and disclosing information to an unauthorised person. On Monday, Chungu appeared before court for an explanation of the charges. During the proceedings, the State objected to the defence’s application for bail pending trial and produced a certificate from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to justify the denial of...