Responding to the charges brought against detained Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) journalist MacPherson Mukuka, reportedly related to the violation of Section 10 of Zambia’s 2025 Cyber Crimes Act, which prohibits recording a private conversation without prior notice and posting it on social media, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director said:
“MacPherson Mukuka’s arrest raises serious concerns about the application of Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act and its potentially chilling effect on investigative journalism. Its impact is especially dangerous coming just weeks ahead of Zambia’s general elections.
“By charging him under Cyber Crimes laws, the authorities are misusing the criminal justice system to intimidate and harass journalists simply for doing their work..
“Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release MacPherson Mukuka and drop all charges against him. They must ensure that the media can report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisals, in line with Zambia’s international human rights obligations.
“MacPherson Mukuka’s arrest raises serious concerns about the application of Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act and its potentially chilling effect on investigative journalism. Its impact is especially dangerous coming just weeks ahead of Zambia’s general elections.
