Zambia’s police arrested journalist Thomas Zgambo for nearly two weeks without charges, demanding access to his electronics. After a hunger strike, he was finally charged with criminal libel and granted bail. His case reflects a concerning trend of press harassment under President Hichilema, as noted by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
On October 16, police in Lusaka, Zambia, arrested investigative journalist Thomas Zgambo, holding him without charges for nearly two weeks. Zgambo, a writer for Zambian Whistleblower, has exposed serious issues like corruption and human rights violations under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. He revealed that upon his detention, police demanded access to his devices without specifying any allegations against him.
Zgambo began a hunger strike to demand either formal charges or his release. Finally, after 15 days, on October 31, he was granted bail after facing two counts of criminal libel charges. His lawyer voiced concerns, stating that this action aimed to punish Zgambo merely for fulfilling his journalistic duties.
The Committee to Protect Journalists remarked that Zgambo’s situation highlights the contradictions in President Hichilema’s professed dedication to press freedom. His arrests point to a troubling pattern of judicial harassment indicative of a broader issue within Zambia’s treatment of journalists. To foster a true democracy, authorities must halt these politically motivated attacks and uphold the rights of those who challenge corrupt practices with the truth.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
