IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT UPDATE - ZAMBIA

4 July 2003

Police "warn and caution" "Today" newspaper editor

SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek

**Updates IFEX alert of 25 June 2003**

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 July 2003, police recorded a "warn and caution" statement
from Masautso Phiri, editor of "Today" newspaper, who voluntarily presented
himself for questioning at police headquarters one week after he was initially
summoned.

Phiri, who was accompanied to the police station by his lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota,
told the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA), MISA's Zambian chapter,
that police questioned him about a story entitled "Mwanawasa paves way for
coup?" in the newspaper's 3 to 10 June edition.

The article said that President Levy Mwanawasa's leadership style had brought
about political instability in the country, leading some people to express fears
of a possible military coup.

"In the wake of political instability that the ruling MMD leader Levy Mwanawasa
has brought in the country, fears of a possible military coup have arisen," the
newspaper reported. In another paragraph it said, "some citizens have expressed
fear that the current political insecurity could give grounds to the military to
justify their cause (sic) of action."

Phiri said that, from the way he was questioned, it appeared likely that he
would be charged with "publication of false news with intent to cause fear and
alarm to the public", an offence under Section 67 of the Penal Code.

This law prohibits the publication, whether oral, in writing or otherwise, of
any statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the
public or to disturb the public peace. The offence carries a maximum jail term
of three years.

Phiri was allowed to go home after the interview, but the police indicated that
they would contact his lawyer if there were further developments.

BACKGROUND:
On 24 June, Phiri was summoned to police headquarters for questioning. There was
no indication of why he was summoned, leading him to believe that he was sought
in connection with stories he published between 3 and 24 June about an alleged
sex scandal at the State House, the president's official residence, and attempts
to cover it up. Another story alleged that President Mwanawasa had fallen
seriously ill and was rushed to the United Kingdom for medical treatment ahead
of an official visit to the United States.

For further information, contact Zoe Titus or Kaitira Kandjii, Regional
Information Coordinator, MISA, Street Address: 21 Johann Albrecht Street,
Mailing Address; Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232975, fax:
+264 61 248016, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected], Internet:
http://www.misa.org/

The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
MISA. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit MISA.
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