Sanday Chongo Kabange AfricaNews reporter in Lusaka, Zambia
A court in Zambia has freed Post Newspapers Editor, Chansa Kabwela, on charges of circulating phonographic materials with intent to upset public morals. Kabwela was arrested for allegedly circulating photographs of a woman in labour giving birth, at the height of nationwide strikes by nurses and other auxiliary health personnel.
She contended then, that the intention was to raise public awareness about the plight of Zambians during a prolonged nationwide strike and solicit for public, government attention, which had taken a mild stance towards the strike.
In his ruling, magistrate Charles Kafunda said, “The materials in question do not corrupt anyone's mind. I had a look at them and state witnesses said so too.
When you see them, the first response is shock and so the state failed to prove that they can corrupt morals”.
Kabwela is among the many journalists at the controversial tabloid to appear in court. The newspaper has claimed on several occasions that the arrests, intimidation and beating up of its staff is a political manoeuvre by Rupiah Banda led government to silence divergent views.
A court in Zambia has freed Post Newspapers Editor, Chansa Kabwela, on charges of circulating phonographic materials with intent to upset public morals. Kabwela was arrested for allegedly circulating photographs of a woman in labour giving birth, at the height of nationwide strikes by nurses and other auxiliary health personnel.
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