(MISA/IFEX) – On 2 July 2003, police recorded a “warn and caution” statement from Masautso Phiri, editor of “Today” newspaper, who voluntarily presented himself for questioning at police headquarters one week after he was initially summoned. Phiri, who was accompanied to the police station by his lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota, told the Zambia Independent Media Association […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 2 July 2003, police recorded a “warn and caution” statement from Masautso Phiri, editor of “Today” newspaper, who voluntarily presented himself for questioning at police headquarters one week after he was initially summoned.
Phiri, who was accompanied to the police station by his lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota, told the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA), MISA’s Zambian chapter, that police questioned him about a story entitled “Mwanawasa paves way for coup?” in the newspaper’s 3 to 10 June edition.
The article said that President Levy Mwanawasa’s leadership style had brought about political instability in the country, leading some people to express fears of a possible military coup.
“In the wake of political instability that the ruling MMD leader Levy Mwanawasa has brought in the country, fears of a possible military coup have arisen,” the newspaper reported. In another paragraph it said, “some citizens have expressed fear that the current political insecurity could give grounds to the military to justify their cause (sic) of action.”
Phiri said that, from the way he was questioned, it appeared likely that he would be charged with “publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public”, an offence under Section 67 of the Penal Code.
This law prohibits the publication, whether oral, in writing or otherwise, of any statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb the public peace. The offence carries a maximum jail term of three years.
Phiri was allowed to go home after the interview, but the police indicated that they would contact his lawyer if there were further developments.
BACKGROUND:
On 24 June, Phiri was summoned to police headquarters for questioning. There was no indication of why he was summoned, leading him to believe that he was sought in connection with stories he published between 3 and 24 June about an alleged sex scandal at the State House, the president’s official residence, and attempts to cover it up. Another story alleged that President Mwanawasa had fallen seriously ill and was rushed to the United Kingdom for medical treatment ahead of an official visit to the United States.
