Zambia - Update - Judge dismisses obscenity charges against newspaper editor

MONTREAL, Nov. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - A Lusaka court yesterday acquitted The Post editor Chansa Kabwela of a charge of "distributing obscene material" for sending the vice-president photos of a woman giving birth in a hospital car park during a strike by hospital staff. Judge Charles Kafunda dismissed the case on the grounds that there was no evidence that the photos would corrupt public morals.

"The judge took the right decision as the charges against Kabwela were ridiculous and baseless," Reporters Without Borders said. "We nonetheless regret that the authorities subjected her to this ordeal for many months for no reason."

As she emerged from the courtroom, Kabwela told Reporters Without Borders she was happy and relieved. "My victory is also a victory for all those who suffered during the health sector strikes," she said. "I am happy that the court acquitted me. I had no intention of causing anyone any harm. The letter I wrote to the vice-president was very clear. I just wanted to draw his attention to the situation in the hospitals."

More information on this case: http://www.rsf.org/Ridiculous-pornography-charges.html

For further information: Office of Reporters Without Borders, [phone], [e-mail]