(MISA/IFEX) – On 18 August 2000, the editor-in-chief of the “Post” newspaper, Fred Mâmembe, was told he still had a case to answer to, while ten of his colleagues were acquitted on charges of espionage by Lusaka High Court Judge Elizabeth Muyovwe. Muyovwe said in her ruling that Mâmembe was being put on his defence […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 18 August 2000, the editor-in-chief of the “Post” newspaper, Fred Mâmembe, was told he still had a case to answer to, while ten of his colleagues were acquitted on charges of espionage by Lusaka High Court Judge Elizabeth Muyovwe.
Muyovwe said in her ruling that Mâmembe was being put on his defence because of a press statement he allegedly issued to Radio Phoenix admitting responsibility for the publication of the 9 March 1999 “Post” article, headlined “Angola worries Zambia Army, ZAF”. She acquitted the ten other journalists because the state had failed to prove that they participated in authoring the story. The case was adjourned to 1 September, for M’membe’s defence.
M’membe’s lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota, said the fact his client had been called to defend himself did not mean he was guilty. “The evidence required to find one guilty of espionage is more than that required to find one with a case to answer,” he stated. Sikota added that he would consult M’membe on whether he should give evidence in his defence or not. If convicted, M’membe could face a jail term of twenty years.
Those acquitted on 18 August were: journalists Brighton Phiri, Lubasi Katundu, Kelvin Shimo, Goodson Machona, Joe Kaunda, Douglas Hampande, Reuben Phiri, Macpherson Muyumba, Dickson Jere, and Liseli Kayumba.
Background Information
The case dates back to 10 March 1999, when police began a general swoop against reporters from the “Post” a day after the contentious article appeared in the paper. At one point, up to thirteen “Post” journalists were arrested and charged, but two of them, Mukalya Nampito and Amos Malupenga were later released by the state.
