LEGISLATED July - November 2017 Former The Post journalist Abel Mboozi, brought a case against Fred M’membe who is the managing director of The Post Newspapers (In liquidation) for allegedly impersonating and officer of The Post, disobeying lawful orders, failure to deliver properties and concealing of properties and prevention of the production of books or papers affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the Post Newspaper Limited contrary to the laws of Zambia. M’membe allegedly committed these offences between November 2016 and February 2017. July Fred M’membe appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on the above charges and pleaded not guilty. 4 September The case was called for commencement of trial before principal resident magistrate David Simusamba. Private prosecutor Robson Malipenga however informed the court that his client Mboozi was unwell and unable to make it to court. The trial was adjourned to 18 September. 18 September Private prosecutor Malipenga asked to adjourn the trial to 3 October on the grounds that he had “just received instructions, which he first needed to look at”. 3 October The case failed to continue once more, due to the absence of the prosecution team and their witness – complainant - Abel Mboozi. Later in October Malipenga’s law firm applied before the principal resident magistrate for the matte to be adjourned because Malipenga was not available as he was attending to his sick mother in Ndola. November Magistrate Simusamba acquitted M’membe after Mboozi withdrew the case citing lack of legal fees and a desire for peace. 25 July 2017 VIOLATION OF PUBLIC FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Police reportedly detained Edward Makayi, a student of the DMI St Eugene University in Lusaka, in connection with the publication of defamatory statements on his Facebook page which he created under the name Royson Edwards. Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo said the defamatory remarks posted between April and July 2017 were targeted at President Lungu, Home Affairs Minister - Stephen Kampyongo, Minister of Agriculture - Dora Siliya, Inspector General of Police, Kakoma Kanganja and others. He appeared in court on later that month charged with defamation of the President under Section 59 of Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia. Makayi was granted bail after appearing in court. 2 August 2017 VICTORY Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda said The Mast newspaper reporters were free to cover presidential assignments as long as they complied with State House security requirements. 9 August 2017 LEGISLATED The Lusaka High Court has set aside an injunction that ordered ZNBC and TopStar Communica-