Responding to the charges brought against detained Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) journalist MacPherson Mukuka, reportedly related to the violation of Section 10 of Zambia’s 2025 Cyber Crimes Act, which prohibits recording a private conversation without prior notice and posting it on social media, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director said:
“MacPherson Mukuka’s arrest raises serious concerns about the application of Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act and its potentially chilling effect on investigative journalism. Its impact is especially dangerous coming just weeks ahead of Zambia’s general elections.
“By charging him under Cyber Crimes laws, the authorities are misusing the criminal justice system to intimidate and harass journalists simply for doing their work..
“Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release MacPherson Mukuka and drop all charges against him. They must ensure that the media can report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisals, in line with Zambia’s international human rights obligations.
“MacPherson Mukuka’s arrest raises serious concerns about the application of Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act and its potentially chilling effect on investigative journalism. Its impact is especially dangerous coming just weeks ahead of Zambia’s general elections.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa
Authorities must end their attacks on journalists and uphold the human rights of everyone including the right to freedom of expression and media freedom in the country.
The authorities must ensure that the media can report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisals, in line with Zambia’s international human rights obligations.
Tigere Chagutah
“Amnesty International is also closely following the ongoing police harassment of Millenium TV journalist Rogers Mwimba, whom the police have summoned for questioning after he posted a video of revellers at a night club dancing to an opposition campaign song.”
Background
ZNBC Mcpherson Mukuka was detained on 17 July for recording a ‘private conversation without prior notice’ and posting it on social media and only charged on 21 July. The recording in question reportedly involved public servants in a Presidential Campaign Team committee discussing how they will work with polling station staff to “help people vote for their master.”
On 21 July another journalist, Rodgers Mwimba of Millenium TV, was summoned for questioning by police, after he posted a video of people dancing to an opposition campaign song.
There is a petition in court challenging the 2025 Cyber Crimes Act and the Cyber Security Act. Zambia will hold general elections on 13 August to elect a president, members of the national assembly, councillors and council chairs.