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Police in Zambia have arrested two journalists who were covering the arrest of a controversial opposition politician accused of defaming President Hakainde Hichilema.
Innocent Phiri and Obvious Kapunda – from privately owned Muvi TV – were arrested on Sunday at the home of Chilufya Tayali, leader of the Equity Party.
Police Inspector General Lemmy Kajoba said Mr Tayali has been charged with bringing the name of president into disrepute after a video he posted on social media last week accused Mr Hichiema of a number of things, including of being behind poisonous gas attacks which caused mass panic in 2020.
Makebi Zulu, Mr Tayali’s lawyer, who is also representing the two journalists, said the police broke into his client’s property without an arrest warrant.
He said Mr Tayali has not been formally arrested but the offense he was booked in for was defamation of the president.
The arrest of the politician and journalists has drawn public condemnation, including from a leading activist.