 While Hichilema was in Jail, President Lungu imposed a state of emergency, a move critics saw as an effort to tighten his grip on power

Protests broke out in Zambia, South Africa and the United Kingdom demanding the release of Hichilema and condemning Edgar Lungu's authoritarian rule and deteriorating human rights in Zambia.Jubilant celebrations broke out throughout Zambia when Hichilema was released from Prison on 16 August 2017 and scores of people lined up the roads of Lusaka to have a glimpse of Hichilema as his motorcade left prison with Hichilema emerging through the Sunroof of his vehicle to wave at the cheering crowds.Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, congratulated the Zambian authorities for dropping the treason charges against Hichilema and releasing him from Prison.