By Francis Chipalo
The Free Press Initiative (FPI) has condemned the continued detention of ZNBC journalist Macpherson Mukuka, saying his 11-day stay in custody at Kabwata Police Station violates constitutional rights.
FPI claimed that all efforts to secure Mukuka’s release on bond have been unfruitful, despite the offence he is charged with being bailable.
“We are deeply concerned with the Police’s continued detention of ZNBC journalist Macpherson Mukuka,” FPI stated, on its Facebook page.
The media rights body has called on the Zambia Police Service to act immediately.
“We call on the police to immediately release Mukuka or present him before court so that the due process of the law takes effect,” FPI said.
FPI further described the situation as arbitrary pre-trial detention.
“We condemn this arbitrary pre-trial detention, which violates provisions of our Constitution,” the organization stated.
Mukuka, a ZNBC journalist, was detained at Kabwata Police Station 11 days ago on cyber – related offenses.
Police are yet to present him in court despite the bailable nature of the charge.
Article 12 of the Zambian Constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty and the right to be brought before a court within a reasonable time.
