MISA backs arrested Zambian musician ‘Pilato'

MISA backs arrested Zambian musician 'Pilato'

WINDHOEK, Namibia, 12 June 2015 / PRN Africa / -- MISA Zambia has publicly spoken out in support of Zambian social commentary musician Chama Fumba, alias Pilato, who was arrested in Lusaka earlier this week.




On Monday June 8, 2015, MISA reported that Pilato was arrested over a song that, according to the officials, defamed the President Edgar Lungu. However, the artist was detained by Lusaka police and charged with a different offence being "conduct likely to cause a breach of peace" under Section 178 of the Penal Code. MISA Zambia clarified that under this law Pilato, if found guilty, faces possible imprisonment for one month or to a fine not exceeding sixty penalty units or both.




Pilato appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate's Court earlier this week and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was granted a 1000 Zambian Kwacha (approx. USD137) bail with two working sureties. Pilato's next appearance in court will be on June 24, 2015.




MISA Zambia has denounced the arrest of Pilato and is spearheading the artist's defense through its lawyer Marshal Muchende of Dindi and Company.




According to MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale, individuals should not be criminalized for merely expressing themselves. She points out that freedom of expression is a fundamental right to be enjoyed by all citizens regardless of their background and political orientation. These rights are provided for under the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, which Zambia ratified.




"Freedom of expression is a hallmark of democracy as its unfettered enjoyment contributes to functional democracy that encourages citizen participation for good governance and accountability", Mwale told the media in a statement following Pilato's detention.




Mwale further noted that good governance and accountability require that leaders must be amenable to criticism and would thus need a high level of tolerance.




"It is for this reason that MISA Zambia has continued to advocate for the repeal or amendment of certain sections of the penal code that impede the enjoyment of freedom of expression. These include provisions in Section 69 on Defamation of the President, Section 53 on Prohibited Publications, Section 60 on Seditious Practices among other laws such as the Public Order Act.




These legal provisions have been used on several occasions by government functionaries to suppress dissenting views and oppress individuals perceived to be opposed to the party in power. We therefore call for these laws to be re-examined to allow for increased citizen participation without fear of unnecessary retribution. MISA Zambia remains committed to its vision of a region in which members of society, individually or collectively are free to express themselves through any media of their choice without hindrance of any kind", Mwale added.


SOURCE Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)


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