By Anthi Polatidou
Human Rights Media Consultant Nhimbe Trust
In December 2022, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema officially signed into law an amended Penal Code that repealed a provision criminalising the defamation of the President. The provision had long been used to suppress freedom of expression. This move was celebrated as a step towards greater democratic freedoms, including artistic freedom, but how did Zambia reach this point? What were the strategies, challenges, and key players that led to the dismantling of this restrictive law?
In this article, we delve into a conversation with Muleta Kapatiso, a lawyer, activist, and development practitioner, who provides an insider’s view of the efforts and collaborations that fuelled this significant milestone of legislative reform. From strategic protests to legal battles, Kapatiso reflects on the journey that helped push Zambia closer to a more open and free society for artists and activists alike.
In the heart of Zambia’s evolving landscape of human rights, Muleta Kapatiso stands as a formidable voice for change. A lawyer, frontline activist, and development practitioner, Kapatiso has dedicated his career to the promotion of public interest law, human rights, and artistic freedom. His recent work, which includes consulting for SELAM and the People’s Action for Governance and Accountability Zambia (PAAGZ), focused on assessing artistic freedom in Zambia and advocating for increased government support for the arts. This initiative builds on prior efforts a