The editor of Zambia’s largest independent newspaper, The Post, is currently on trial for distributing pornography. Chansa Kabwela was charged in July for “circulating obscene matters with the intention to corrupt the morals of society,” punishable by a five year prison sentence. What exactly did Kabwela circulate that was so dangerous to the moral character of Zambians? Pictures of a woman giving birth on the ground outside a hospital.
A recent nurses’ strike led to dangerous medical conditions in the country, a fact Kabwela wanted to highlight. When she received pictures of the incident, she decided not to publish them in the paper, but instead sent copies to the vice president, the health minister and several organizations. The pictures were taken by a relative of the woman, who visited clinics and the hospital in search of medical assistance due to the breach birth position of the baby. Eventually she laid down on the ground near the hospital before doctors from the hospital finally assisted her. The baby did not survive.
Reporters Without Borders calls the arrest shocking and the charges without grounds. They also accuse authorities of harassing and intimidating the newspaper’s staff. The Post is a fierce critic of President Banda, who has made no secret of his dislike for the paper, called for Kabwela’s arrest. Banda became president upon the death of Levy Mwanawasa, one year ago today. Too bad Nixon didn’t think of the same tactic: Nick Ut would have gone to trial instead of winning a Pulitzer.
Not sure I agree with everything written, but some good points made.
One Way Link-
Thanks for your comment. What is it that you don't agree with? I am always open to being corrected because I am far from infallible. But I also enjoy a good debate so if I don't agree with you that I am incorrect I will be sure to let you know! 🙂
Sarah
Not sure I agree with everything written, but some good points made.
One Way Link-
Thanks for your comment. What is it that you don’t agree with? I am always open to being corrected because I am far from infallible. But I also enjoy a good debate so if I don’t agree with you that I am incorrect I will be sure to let you know! 🙂
Sarah
I just added your site to my favorites. I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks!
Sheriff-
No, thank you for the add! I'll keep writing if you keep reading. 🙂
Sarah
I just added your site to my favorites. I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks!
Sheriff-
No, thank you for the add! I’ll keep writing if you keep reading. 🙂
Sarah
I spent 4 hours reading your site. Thanks for the good information. I'll be back!
Hi Rohrback-
Thanks for the compliment! Glad you found useful information. Keep reading. 🙂
Sarah
I spent 4 hours reading your site. Thanks for the good information. I’ll be back!
Hi Rohrback-
Thanks for the compliment! Glad you found useful information. Keep reading. 🙂
Sarah
I heard about this from my friend ages ago, been looking for it for ages.
I heard about this from my friend ages ago, been looking for it for ages.