LUSAKA – The Media Liaison Committee (MLC) has expressed deep concern over the detention of journalist MacPherson Mukuka, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement issued on Monday, the MLC, a media industry body that advocates for professionalism, media independence and press freedom, said the detention of a journalist over work carried out in the public interest threatens Zambia's democratic values and undermines freedom of expression.
The Committee warned that such actions create a chilling effect on investigative journalism and could discourage journalists from reporting on matters of public interest.
"We are alarmed that a journalist can be detained for work done in the public interest. Such actions undermine Zambia's democratic principles and create a chilling effect on investigative reporting," the statement reads.
The MLC urged the relevant authorities to release Mr. Mukuka without conditions, arguing that detaining journalists for their reporting sets a dangerous precedent that is incompatible with a free and democratic society.
The Committee also called on Parliament and the Ministry of Justice to urgently review provisions of the Cyber Crimes Act and other related laws, saying some provisions contain vague language that could be misused to suppress investigative journalism and critical reporting.
According to the MLC, any legal reforms should ensure Zambia's laws are consistent with the Constitution and the country's international human rights obligations.
The Committee further appealed to the courts, law enforcement agencies and lawmakers to formally recognise and codify the principle of qualified privilege in journalism.
It explained that qualified privilege protects journalists from legal liability when they responsibly publish information on matters of public interest without malice and with a reasonable belief that the information is true.
The MLC said the doctrine is essential for promoting government accountability and safeguarding the public's right to access information.
It also maintained that media professionalism should continue to be strengthened through industry-led self-regulation and recognised professional standards rather than through criminal sanctions or broad powers that allow authorities to search and seize journalists' devices without adequate public interest safeguards.
The Committee warned that continued actions against journalists risk reversing the progress Zambia has made in promoting press freedom.
The MLC expressed solidarity with Mr. Mukuka, his family and the wider media fraternity, while calling on the Government, the Zambia Police Service and the Judiciary to uphold constitutional protections that allow journalists to perform their duties freely and without fear of reprisal.
The statement was issued by MLC Chairperson Henry Kabwe.