(MISA/IFEX) – On 14 November 1997, the government of Zambia detained writer and journalist Frederick Mwanza under the Preservation of Public Security Act of 1960. Mwanza was detained in connection with a failed coup attempt on 28 October. He appeared in court on 26 November, but has not been charged. His lawyer, Patrick Mvunga, says […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 14 November 1997, the government of Zambia
detained writer and journalist Frederick Mwanza under the
Preservation of Public Security Act of 1960. Mwanza was detained
in connection with a failed coup attempt on 28 October. He
appeared in court on 26 November, but has not been charged. His
lawyer, Patrick Mvunga, says that his client has applied for a
habeas corpus challenging the government to show cause why he
cannot be released. Hearing has been set for 2 December.
According to Mvunga, Mwanza’s detention follows allegations that
he was present at a meeting finalising a coup plot against the
government of President Frederick Chiluba. Interrogating police
officers further questioned Mwanza over his critical articles
against the incumbent government. Mwanza has denied all
allegations. Mvunga stated that his client was tortured during
interrogation and that he has been denied access to his family.
The Zambian government declared a state of emergency after the
failed coup attempt led by Captain Steven Lungu, who, along with
other officers, briefly took control of the state-broadcaster,
the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). Several
journalists at ZNBC have either been suspended or dismissed on
allegations that they supported coup plotters. Eighty-four
suspects – civilians and army officers – have since been arrested
and are kept in various detention centres in Zambia.
