Amnesty International has called for the immediate release and dropping of charges against Zambian journalist MacPherson Mukuka, who was detained for posting a private conversation involving public servants on social media. Mukuka, associated with the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, was arrested on July 17 under the 2025 Cyber Crimes Act. This legislation criminalizes recording private conversations without consent, with penalties including fines and imprisonment of up to two years according to Amnesty.
Amnesty International’s Regional Director, Tigere Chagutah, criticized the arrest as a tactic to intimidate journalists, especially ahead of general elections scheduled for August 13. The organization has raised concerns over the misuse of the Cyber Crimes Act, suggesting its provisions could hinder investigative journalism. Legal bodies have challenged the Act, arguing that it provides sweeping surveillance powers that might be politically weaponized.
Mukuka’s legal team has filed for a writ of habeas corpus, contesting his extended detention without a court appearance, viewing it as a breach of constitutional rights. Amnesty urged Zambian authorities to respect human rights obligations, allowing the media to operate without fear of retaliation.
Press freedom in Zambia has been under scrutiny, with rights groups criticizing the country’s media restrictions. In 2024, Amnesty condemned another journalist’s arrest following a government-critical publication, prompting calls for upholding freedom of expression guarantees. The Committee to Protect Journalists also expressed concerns in June 2025 after the High Court prevented the airing of a documentary on Chinese investments in Zambia.
The Zambian Constitution enshrines freedom of expression under Article 20(1), but a clawback clause permits governmental restrictions for national security, potentially conflicting with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Zambia is a signatory. This tension highlights ongoing challenges in balancing governmental control with journalistic freedoms.