Date
Type
03/08/2015
JAL
04/08/2015
AL
Case No
Country
Mandate(s)
ZMB 2/2015
Zambia
Cultural Rights;
Freedom of
expression;
CHN 7/2015
Freedom of
China (People's expression;
Republic of)
Summary of the allegation transmitted
Reply
Alleged arrest and prosecution of a musician and singer for having released a song
critical of the President of the ruling party. According to the information received,
on 8 June 2015, Mr. Chama Fumba, aka Pilato (Pilate), a 31-year-old musician,
was arrested for a song in which he is said to have ridiculed the President and the
ruling party. He was subsequently detained and denied police bond, despite the
request from his lawyers that he be released pending trial. On 9 June, Mr. Fumba
appeared before the Chief Resident Magistrate at Lusaka on charges of “conduct
likely to cause a breach of the public peace”, contrary to Section 178 (f) of the
Penal Code of Zambia. Mr. Fumba pleaded not guilty and was granted release
pending trial on bail. His trial was initially set for 24 June 2015, but later adjourned
until 13 July 2015, reportedly because the prosecutor had no witnesses. On 13 July,
the director of the Public Prosecution entered a Nolle Prosequi and the case against
Mr. Fumba was discontinued. It is alleged that the arrest of Mr. Fumba might be
linked with the upcoming presidential electoral campaign for 2016.
Alleged restrictions on the right to freedom of expression in provisions of the draft
Cybersecurity Law in the People’s Republic of China. According to the
information received, this draft legislation contains a number of problematic
provisions, which appear to unduly restrict access to internet communication in
China. These include curbing users’ anonymity rights, granting authorities broad
powers in response to national threats, rigorous monitoring and oversight of private
networks, and stipulating that data must be stored in China. Concern is expressed
that these provisions in the draft legislation appear to limit the right to freedom of
expression in China.
A/HRC/31/79
65
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents