This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On August 29, 2019, Zambia's opposition leader Chishimba Kambwili was arrested on accusations of defaming President Edgar Lungu.
The arrest followed a viral video in which Mr. Kambwili referred to government ministers, including President Lungu, in derogatory terms.
Defaming the President carries a maximum prison sentence of three years.
Mr. Kambwili, a former information minister, claimed his arrest was politically motivated.
He made the statement after appearing in court to answer a contempt of court charge and was subsequently taken back to the police station.
Mr. Kambwili is also facing a separate challenge to deregister his party, the National Democratic Congress.
