Lusaka, Zambia – In a dramatic legal ruling that has sent shockwaves through Zambia’s political landscape, Lumezi Independent Member of Parliament Munir Zulu has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty of libel. The case, which involves allegations of defamation against high-ranking government officials, has ignited fierce debate on Facebook and other social media platforms, with hashtags like #MunirZulu, #ZambiaPolitics, and #FreeMunir trending.
The Case: Defamation Charges Against Top Officials
Zulu faced three counts of criminal libel for allegedly defaming:
- Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
- Housing, Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi
- Road Development Agency (RDA) Board Chairperson Mulchand Kuntawala
The charges stem from statements Zulu made that were deemed damaging to the reputations of the officials. The court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters condemning it as an attack on free speech, while others argue it upholds accountability in public discourse.
