(MISA/IFEX) – On Thursday 2 August 2001, police recorded a “warn and caution” statement from Amos Malupenga, a reporter working for the privately owned “Post” newspaper, in relation to a story the newspaper published on the same day. The story alleged that Zambian President Frederick Chiluba had “stolen and shattered to pieces Zambia’s dream.” In […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On Thursday 2 August 2001, police recorded a “warn and caution” statement from Amos Malupenga, a reporter working for the privately owned “Post” newspaper, in relation to a story the newspaper published on the same day. The story alleged that Zambian President Frederick Chiluba had “stolen and shattered to pieces Zambia’s dream.”
In the article, Malupenga, who is deputy news editor of the newspaper, had quoted a former deputy minister in Chiluba’s government, Newton Ng’uni, who is now a sympathiser of the opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD).
Malupenga told the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA) that police had not charged him, but had recorded a “warn and caution statement” from him and were carrying out investigations in relation to the story. “They said they would get back to me when they are through.” Ng’uni was also “warned and cautioned.”
Indications are that Malupenga and Ng’uni will be charged with “Defamation of the President”, an offence proscribed under Section 69 of the Zambian Penal Code, if the police decide to prosecute the case. Under Section 69, it is an offence for anyone, with intent, to bring the president “into hatred, ridicule or contempt,” or to publish any defamatory matter insulting the president. The insulting matter may be in writing, print or word of mouth or in any other form or manner. Upon conviction, one may be sentenced to prison for a term not exceeding three years. There is no provision for a fine.
On 25 July, Bivan Saluseki a reporter working for the “Post”, and Edith Nawakwi, a former minister who is now a spokesperson for the FDD, were jointly charged with “Defamation of the President”. They are waiting to hear from the state when their prosecution will begin (see IFEX alert of 1 August 2001).
