Zambia

Contradictory reasons given by Zambia police spokesperson for detention of broadcast journalists Rodgers Mwiimba and Innocent Phiri.

MISA welcomes President Haikande Hichelema’s enactment of Access to Information legislation after two decades of relentless advocacy.

Rogue ruling party youths verbally abuse opposition leader Chilufya Tayali and block him from participating in radio interview.

Journalist Innocent Phiri and camera operator Obvious Kapunda, who filmed the raid of an opposition politician’s home, were detained overnight by Zambian police, and only released after paying an admission of guilt fine.

While taking footage of an altercation between council officers and church members, Zambian journalist Eric Chiyuka was assaulted and subsequently arrested.

Incoming president Hakainde Hichilema intimates an improved freedom of expression and media landscape under his leadership.

Ahead of, during and after the elections, MISA is particularly concerned about the safety and security of journalists and the media, the enactment of claw-back laws, and the need for citizens to access information at all times, both online and offline.

As Zambia heads to the polls, members of the #KeepItOn coalition write to President Edgar Lungu to ensure that internet and digital communications remain uninterrupted.

A radio station owned by an electoral candidate is set on fire, while three separate radio stations have been attacked after hosting opposition politicians, in the months leading up to Zambia’s elections.

A number of Zambian civil society organisations believe their recently passed cybercrime law contains provisions that threaten constitutionally protected rights.

African Freedom of Expression Exchange together with its member MiSA Zambia is calling on Zambia’s Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to reconsider the decision to suspend Prime Television.

The Secretary General of Zambia’s ruling PF has barred Prime Television from covering any of its party activities, while supporters have assaulted 3 of the station’s reporters in separate incidents within a space of two weeks.

AFEX joins Zambian journalists, bloggers and activities in requesting the government to include multi-stakeholders in the enactment of internet policies that will ensure access to a free and open internet.

Zambia’s police Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja suggested that some “publications” could be shut down while emergency powers are in place.