Human rights organisation Amnesty International is calling on the Zambian government to release journalist MacPherson Mukuka and drop all charges against him.

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation reporter was arrested after allegedly recording and sharing a private conversation on social media.

Amnesty says the case raises serious concerns about media freedom ahead of Zambia’s general elections in August 13.

Amnesty International says the arrest of Mukuka has intensified concerns over the use of Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act against journalists.

Mukuka was detained after allegedly recording and posting a private conversation involving public officials.

The organisation argues that using criminal law against journalists for carrying out their work could discourage investigative reporting and weaken public accountability.

Tshidi Leatswe, Regional Campaigner on Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe at Amnesty International, says the arrest could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism.

“Mukuga’s arrest raises serious concerns about the application of Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act and its potentially chilling effect on investigative journalism. Amnesty International is concerned that using these criminal laws against journalists for carrying out their work can create a climate of fear. And journalists, whistleblowers, and sources may become reluctant to investigate on reports on matters of public interest because they fear prosecution. That kind of self-censorship under minds accountability.”

The case has also reignited debate over balancing the right to privacy with freedom of expression.

Amnesty says while governments have a legitimate responsibility to protect people’s privacy, any restrictions on free expression must meet international human rights standards and should not prevent reporting on matters that are in the public interest.

–ChannelAfrica/ Lebogang Mabange–