Journalist's Plight: Zambian Reporter Begs Court, Amnesty Demands Release!

Zambian journalist MacPherson Mukuka, aged 37, finds himself at the center of a contentious legal battle, facing charges under the Cyber Crimes Act while simultaneously challenging his detention in the Lusaka High Court. Amnesty International has vehemently called for his immediate and unconditional release, raising significant concerns about press freedom and the potential misuse of the law ahead of Zambia’s general elections.

Mukuka, a journalist with the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), was apprehended by police on July 17, 2026, from his workplace. He was later formally charged on July 21 with the offense of Prohibition of Recording a Private Conversation Without Prior Notice, contrary to Section 10 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. The accusation stems from allegations that between July 14 and July 17, 2026, Mukuka published an article on the Facebook page known as Earth Television Zambia, which included an audio recording of a private meeting involving several individuals. Police also confiscated his laptop, two smartphones, a wristwatch, and his work identity card without issuing any acknowledgment documentation.

The content of the alleged private recording reportedly involved public servants on a Presidential Campaign Team committee discussing strategies to "help people vote for their master." Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern and East Africa, highlighted that Mukuka’s arrest brings serious concerns regarding the application of Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act and its chilling effect on investigative journalism. Chagutah emphasized the particular danger of such actions occurring just weeks before Zambia’s general elections, asserting that authorities are misusing the criminal justice system to intimidate and harass journalists for simply performing their duties.

In response to his continued detention, Mukuka has taken legal action, filing an ex parte originating summons with the Lusaka High Court. He seeks leave to issue a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum, demanding the State to justify his prolonged custody or ensure his immediate release. Through an affidavit filed by Malisa & Partners, Mukuka argues that his continued detention without being presented before a court or granted police bond violates his constitutional rights and personal liberty. He stated that he was initially detained for investigative purposes, and despite being formally charged, he has neither been taken to court nor granted bail.

Mukuka maintains that the alleged offense is bailable and that he possesses a fixed place of abode, capable of providing credible and traceable sureties. However, his repeated applications for police bond were reportedly declined, with officers informing him they awaited instructions from “the relevant authorities.” As of July 23, 2026, Mukuka had been in custody for six days, four of which were without a formal charge, and subsequently, without court appearance or bond. He expressed that his detention, which appears indefinite, gravely violates his fundamental rights, jeopardizes his health, and has left him fearing for his life due to the conditions under which he is being held.

Amnesty International’s calls extend beyond Mukuka’s case, urging Zambian authorities to end attacks on journalists and uphold human rights, including freedom of expression and media freedom. The organization is also monitoring the case of Millenium TV journalist Rogers Mwimba, who was summoned for police questioning after posting a video related to an opposition campaign song. Chagutah reiterated Amnesty’s demand for Mukuka’s immediate release and the dropping of all charges, stressing the imperative for media to report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisals, in line with Zambia’s international human rights obligations.