Zambia: Arrested journalists appear in court

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Five journalists recently arrested in Kasama, the provincial capital of the northern province in Zambia, appeared in court Thursday for an explanation on the charges and plea taking.

The journalists pleaded not guilty to the charge of insulting three officials from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) when they appeared at the station for a live program.

“The Court will now enter a plea of not guilty and the matter will adjourn to Dec. 14 for commencement of trial,” magistrate Bartholomew Kaonga told journalists Thursday morning.

On Nov. 14, police arrested the entire news crew of Radio Mano after supporters of the ruling PF complained that journalists had allegedly used insulting language against party officials during a live radio program.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter described the arrests of journalists as an attempt by the government to frustrate media operations in Zambia.

Following the court hearing, MISA chairwoman Hellen Mwale told journalists that press freedom in Zambia was being threatened.

“Unless journalists are given the freedom to do their work without any form of hindrance, the right to information will remain a myth in Zambia," she said.

In a week, police have arrested 15 journalists from both print and electronic media who are appearing in court for various charges.