ZNBC journalist Mukuka released from police cells after 14 days in detention  

BY CHIKUMBI KATEBE

ZNBC journalist Mukuka released from police cells after 14 days in detention

MACPHERSON Mukuka, the ZNBC journalist who has been in police detention for 14 days was yesterday released from Kabwata Police station after the Lusaka High Court ordered the State that the journalist be released immediately.

High Court Judge Elita Mwiikisa ordered the immediate release of Mr Mukuka after the state failed to file in an affidavit to explain why it had continued the detention of the ZNBC journalist even after he had applied for writ of Habeas Corpus.

The High Court order to release Mr Mukuka followed Mr Mukuka’s application for Habeas Corpus in which he made submissions that his continued detention for 14 days without bail was unconstitutional.

Lawyer Simon Mulenga Mwila said the court ruled that Mr Mukuka’s continued detention was unlawful and unconstitutional and further condemned the State in costs.

He said the decision reaffirmed the principle that deprivation of an individual’s liberty outside the confines of the law carried legal consequences, after the Court earlier stood down the matter and rejected an application for an adjournment from the state.

“Justice has prevailed. Our client, (ZNBC journalist) MacPherson Chewe Mukuka, has today been released after the High Court ordered that he be released forthwith after 14 days of unlawful and unconstitutional detention,” Mr Mwila said.

He thanked fellow counsel Isaac Simbeye for working with him in defending Mr Mukuka’s constitutional and fundamental rights before the court.

Mr Mwila said the ruling should serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting individual liberties and upholding the Constitution.

“Today is a reminder that no one should be deprived of their liberty except in accordance with the law. The rule of law has prevailed,” he said.

The Lusaka High Court Judge had earlier ordered the state to file their affidavit by 14:00hrs to allow for the hearing at 15:30hrs, as Mr Mukuka remained in custody at the High Court grounds police post, on charges of cybercrime and seditious practices.

Mr Mukuka has been in detention since July 17, despite efforts by his legal team provide all the requirements for a police bond

And the Media Liaison Committee (MLC) has welcomed the High Court’s decision to order the immediate release of Mr Mukuka and has commended the Judiciary for upholding the Constitution and the right to personal liberty.