Amnesty International Raises Concerns as Katele Kalumba Faces Fresh Police Summons

Amnesty International has raised concerns over the treatment of former Finance Minister Dr Katele Kalumba, who it says has been summoned by police for questioning days after he was detained and charged with alleged cyber harassment.

In a statement, Amnesty said Dr Kalumba had been summoned for an interview after being detained for several hours on September 23 and subsequently charged under the Cyber Crimes Act, 2025.

The organisation called on Zambian authorities to end what it described as a pattern of intimidation and respect Dr Kalumba's right to freedom of expression.

Police previously confirmed that Dr Kalumba was apprehended in Chienge on September 23 and formally charged the following day at Kabwe Central Police Station with harassment under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

According to police, the charge relates to electronic content Dr Kalumba allegedly published on August 11 with the intention of humiliating President Hakainde Hichilema.

He was subsequently released on police bond and is expected to appear in court.

Police have not disclosed the specific content at the centre of the allegation.

The case has drawn attention to the application of Zambia's cyber laws to online political expression, with police maintaining that constitutional freedom of expression must be exercised with regard to the rights, dignity and reputation of others.