Freedom of expression and the law in Zambia

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Periodical article

Title:	Freedom of expression and the law in Zambia
Author:	Chanda, Alfred W.
Year:	1998
Periodical:	Zambia Law Journal (ISSN 1027-7862)
Volume:	30
Pages:	123-145
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Zambia Central Africa
Subjects:	freedom of speech freedom of the press law press Zambia. Constitution (1991) democracy Law reform
Abstract:	Article 20 of the Constitution of Zambia guarantees freedom of expression and of the press. However the wide derogation clause contained in the Constitution, if broadly construed, completely emasculates the protection of this freedom. In addition, the Zambian legal system imposes many restrictions on freedom of expression. Almost all the laws that seriously impede freedom of expression were enacted during the colonial days and have not been repealed since. The author examines the law relating to sedition, publication of false news, banning of publications, civil and criminal defamation, and defamation of the President, and their impact on freedom of expression and the press in Zambia. He concludes that there is need to reform Zambian law in order to bring it into line with international human rights standards. Notes, ref.