Minister bans radio station from relaying live BBC broadcasts
(MISA/IFEX) – Zambian Information and Broadcasting Services Minister David Mpamba has banned the privately owned FM Radio Phoenix from relaying live British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) programmes, reports the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA/MISA-Zambia). Mpamba announced the ban on 2 September 1997, claiming that relaying live BBC programmes in Lusaka and the northern town of Kabwe […]
“The Post” editors plead not guilty to charge of receiving classified information
On 14 August 1996, three editors from “The Post” newspaper pleaded not guilty in the Lusaka High Court on accusations that they had received and published classified information in contravention of Section 4 of the State Security Act (not the Official Secrets Act as was previously reported). The trio — editor-in-chief Fred M’membe, managing editor […]
Police raid home of “The Post” reporter Brian Malama; “The Post” reporter Samson Mujuda also subject to harassment
On 11 July 1996, six armed police officers raided and searched the house of “The Post” newspaper reporter Brian Malama in the town of Kitwe. Managing editor Bright Mwape said that “heavily armed police raided and searched Malama’s house at gun point but without a search warrant and [they] refused to identify themselves.” Mwape said […]
National broadcaster comes under bomb threat
**For background to “Times of Zambia” case, see IFEX alert dated 6 June 1996* HASH(0x9552250)
Journalists pressured to reveal sources
Four Zambian journalists have refused to name their sources in regard to a story which alleged that Legal Affairs Minister Remmy Mushota had attempted on 4 April 1996 to cash a Kwacha 210 million (US$ 166 000) government cheque. “The Post” managing editor Bright Mwape and senior journalist Chilombo Mwondela, as well as “Chronicle” newspaper […]
Bomb explodes at “Times of Zambia” office; death threats issued against three of the newspaper’s editors
On 31 May 1996, a bomb exploded at the offices of the state-owned “Times of Zambia” newspaper in the town of Ndola. No one was hurt in the blast which reportedly caused extensive damage to the newspaper’s computer room. Previously, on 23 May, death threats against several “Times of Zambia” editors and reporters were posted […]
Judge dismisses an appeal by lawyers from “The Post” asking that the President of Zambia not be treated differently from other citizens before the law
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 29 and 11 April 1994** The 12 April 1996 edition of “The Post” newspaper reported that Zambia’s Supreme Court Judge, Matthew Ngulube, had thrown out an appeal by lawyers for “The Post” that President Frederick Chiluba should be “treated equally like any other citizen before the law.” On 11 April, Ngulube […]
“The Post” editor-in-chief Fred M’membe to appeal “contempt of parliament” ruling
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 12 April, 27, 25, 20 March, 23 February, and others** Contrary to what Judge Kabazo Chanda ruled on 27 March 1996, the lawyer for “The Post” editor-in-chief Fred M’membe has stated that his client will not appear before Parliament to hear the final ruling in a contempt of parliament charge, which […]
United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) concludes that contempt charges against “The Post” editors violate International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Source: Inter Press Service (IPS) **Updates IFEX alerts dated 1 April, 27, 25, 20 March, 23 February, and others** Wrapping up its hearing on the upholding of and respect for human rights in Zambia, the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) says that “Zambia’s human rights record has not improved.” The UNHRC, which convened in […]
United Nations Human Rights Committee members criticize indefinite imprisonment of editors
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 27, 25, 20, 14, 13, 12, 6, 4, 1 March, 28, 27, 23 February 1996** Several members of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) say the decision by Speaker of the National Assembly Robinson Nabulyato to order the indefinite imprisonment of two newspaper editors was a serious violation of the […]
Former president arrested for addressing rally
Kaunda was charged under the Public Order Act with illegally addressing a public rally on 17 June. According to “The Post” of Zambia, the 71-year-old former president turned himself over to police after an initial attempt to arrest him at Lusaka International airport on 6 August “flopped”. Kaunda was released on bail after being cautioned […]
Newspaper source arrested
An intelligence officer working for President Frederick Chiluba has been arrested and charged with providing a newspaper with information, the government-owned “Daily Times” reported on 27 June 1995. According to the “Daily Times”, Weston Haundu, an “intelligence officer” working from State House, appeared in court on 26 June, accused of “conveying information to unauthorised people” […]
Two journalists charged under colonial legislation
**Updates IFEX CH alert dated 20 June 1995** Two senior journalists, detained on 19 June 1995 in connection with a story alleging that Zambian President Frederick Chiluba had a Zairean mistress, were released on police bail following a court appearance on 20 June. Fred M’membe, Managing Director of “The Post” newspaper, and the paper’s Editor-in-Chief, […]
Journalists detained and bail denied; government to table legislation on regulating media
Two senior Zambian journalists have been detained two days after the country’s President, Frederick Chiluba, said his government would not interfere with press freedom. Managing director of “The Post” newspaper Fred M’membe and the paper’s editor-in-chief, Masautso Phiri, were arrested on 19 June 1995 in connection with a story the Zambian bi-weekly published stating that […]
Official Secrets Act criticized
Journalists charge that the government has been using the act to victimise private newspapers. “The Official Secrets Act makes democracy meaningless because it prohibits meaningful participation of citizens, who are supposed to know what their government is doing in their name,” Fred M’membe, editor-in-chief of “The Post” newspaper, told IPS. “They cannot indulge in public […]