ZCLU’s Derick Chekwe condemns the arrest of ZNBC journalist Macpherson Mukuka, demands immediate release
“ZCLU believes that journalism is not a crime,” protests Derick Chekwe Acting Executive Director, Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU)”
ZCLU condemns the arrest of journalist Macpherson Mukuka, demands immediate release
Sunday, 19th July, 2026 Press Statement by Derick Chekwe Acting Executive Director, Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU)
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union is deeply concerned by the arrest and detention of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation journalist, Mr. Macpherson Mukuka. He has been charged under Section 10 of the Cyber Crimes Act for allegedly recording a private meeting involving several individuals.
ZCLU believes that journalism is not a crime.
The work of journalists and the media to expose wrongdoing is a public service and a cornerstone of democracy. This work often requires investigative efforts and the gathering of evidence. Acts of criminality and plans to commit crime do not take place in public view. They occur behind closed doors and in private conversations.
It is through news gathering, including obtaining proof from private meetings and telephone conversations, that citizens are able to know the truth and hold those in power to account.
For this reason, we must applaud and protect, not arrest and detain, journalists and citizens who expose criminality or the planning of criminality.
In light of this, ZCLU condemns in the strongest terms the arrest and continued detention of Mr. Macpherson Mukuka. We demand his immediate and unconditional release and call for the withdrawal of all charges against him. To punish a journalist for revealing wrongdoing is to punish the public’s right to know.
This arrest confirms what ZCLU warned prior to the enactment of the Cyber Crimes Act. We stated then, and we maintain now, that several provisions of the Act were crafted to infringe on civil liberties and freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and media freedom. The use of the law against a journalist today is exactly the kind of abuse we anticipated.
This incident must also serve as a reminder to the Zambian people of the responsibility of Parliament. The passing of the Cyber Crimes Act into law without adequate safeguards was a failure by some parliamentarians to take their constitutional duty seriously. The consequences of that failure are now being felt in newsrooms and in communities across the country.
ZCLU remains resolute in its opposition to the repressive provisions of the Cyber Crimes Act.
We will continue to challenge any law or state action that seeks to silence the press and shrink civic space. An attack on one journalist is an attack on all journalists, and ultimately an attack on the right of all Zambians to access information. – Derick Chekwe Acting Executive Director, Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU).
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