Amnesty International calls for unconditional release of Zambian journalist detained by govt

Amnesty International has called on Zambian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) journalist, MacPherson Mukuka, and drop all charges against him. Police in Lusaka confirmed that Mukuka, aged 37, had been formally charged and arrested over the offence of Prohibition of Recording a Private Conversation Without Prior Notice, contrary to Section 10 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

It is alleged that between July 14 and July 17, 2026, Mukuka used the Facebook page known as Earth Television Zambia to publish an article that included an audio recording of a private meeting involving several individuals. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern and East Africa, said the arrest raised wider concerns about press freedom ahead of elections. “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,” Chagutah said Chagutah said the recording reportedly involved public servants in a Presidential Campaign Team committee discussing how they will work with polling station staff to “help people vote for their master.” Amnesty through Chagutah accused the Zambian authorities of misusing the law to target the media. “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,” he said. Chagutah also said Amnesty was monitoring the case of Millenium TV journalist Rogers Mwimba, who was summoned for questioning by police on July 21, after posting a video of revellers at a night club dancing to an opposition campaign song.

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“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,” he demanded. Chagutah further urged the state to end attacks on journalists and uphold the human rights of everyone including the right to freedom of expression and media freedom in the country. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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