Zambian court summons editor
2008-04-01 21:09
Lusaka - A Zambian court on Tuesday summoned a private newspaper editor after he wrote an editorial in which he described former president Frederick Chiluba and his ex-defence chiefs as corrupt.
Magistrate Edward Musona ordered that Fred Mmembe, editor of The Post daily newspaper, appear before him on Thursday to show why he should not be charged with contempt of court over his article.
"This is clearly an abuse of the court process," Mmembe said, adding that he will comply with the court summons.
Two weeks ago, The Post published an editorial titled "Chiluba and his corrupt Generals" in which it alleged that defence and security commanders who served in the government of Chiluba were thieves.
"Chiluba's corruption nearly destroyed, if it didn't destroy, our armed forces. The abuses started with him and went down to the lowest officer," part of the editorial read.
Lawyers representing former airforce commander General Sande Kayumba told the court that the comment was prejudicial to their client who is on trial for alleged corruption, abuse of office and theft of public funds.
All the three top army and airforce commanders who served under Chiluba are on trial for corruption and abuse of office, while another ex-military commander, General Wilford Funjika, was jailed last month on the same charges.
The newspaper has been playing a major role in exposing corruption under Chiluba who is also facing charges of theft of public funds allegedly committed during his 10-year rule as head of state.
The ex-leader has denied the allegations, saying he was a victim of political schemes by his successor, President Levy Mwanawasa.