/ / ZAMBIA: DROP CHARGES AGAINST EX-CABINET MINISTER

ZAMBIA: DROP CHARGES AGAINST EX-CABINET MINISTER

UA: 105.26

Only 167 days left to join us and support this case!

On September 23, former cabinet minister Katele Kalumba was arrested in Zambia’s Chienge District and subsequently charged under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 with “harassment.” He was released a few hours later on police bond. On September 26, Katele Kalumba was re-arrested, charged with sedition, and detained at Ibex Hill police station in Lusaka, the capital. He was subsequently transferred to Lusaka Central Prison until he was granted bail on October 15. The authorities claim the case is related to statements made by Katele Kalumba on his Facebook account that were published with “the intention of humiliating the President.”

The Zambian authorities must drop all charges against Katele Kalumba as his prosecution stems solely from the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: April 26, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send an letter to the Zambian authorities
Send an email to the Zambian authorities
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

Take action

Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

Thank you for signing up!

You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by April 26, 2027.

Download PDF

Download Word

Sample Letter

Dear Mr. Gilbert Phiri,

I am concerned about the arbitrary detention of former Minister of Finance, Katele Kalumba.

On September 23, Katele Kalumba was arrested by soldiers at his home in Zambia’s Chienge District and subsequently charged with harassment under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. The police claim the case related to electronic content they alleged was published with the intention of humiliating the President. Katele Kalumba was released hours later on police bond pending further proceedings. On September 26, Katele Kalumba was re-arrested, charged with seditious practices, and detained at Ibex Hill police station in Lusaka before being transferred to Lusaka Central Prison. The charges are linked to statements reportedly made by Katele Kalumba on his Facebook page, criticizing the President between August 1 and 13, 2026. At his court appearance on October 2, the prosecution said it was awaiting the required consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions before his plea could be taken. The matter was adjourned to October 15 where the court granted Katele Kalumba bail.

I urge you to drop the charges against Katele Kalumba as he appears to be prosecuted solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights. I further urge you to end the arbitrary arrest and detention of opposition political members and to ensure that criminal justice and sedition provisions are not misused to intimidate, punish, or silence political opponents and other people peacefully exercising their human rights.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

The Director of Public Prosecutions

Mr. Gilbert Phiri

National Prosecution Authority

Plot BLX 29B,

Independence Avenue,

Lusaka, Zambia

[email protected] [email protected]

and

CC: Zambian Embassy in the United States

Ambassador Dr. Chibamba Kanyama

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008

Web Contact Form: https://www.zambiaembassy.org/webform/contact-us

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

Additional Resources and Ways to Act

Take More Action

Extend your impact with these opportunities to fight for the human rights of more individuals at risk around the world.

COLOMBIA: THREATS AGAINST VICTIMS, ACTIVISTS AND LAWYER

UA : 114.26

On October 18, 2026, Yessika Hoyos, a lawyer and human rights defender with the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers’ Collective (CAJAR), and Candelaria Barrios, Malena M…

Take Action

CUBA: RELEASE YORUBA PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

UA : Second 61.23

Afro Cuban activists and Yoruba religious leaders Loreto Hernández García and Donaida Pérez Paseiro remain arbitrarily imprisoned for peacefully protesting on Jul…

Take Action

AZERBAIJAN: ARBITRARILY IMPRISONED ACADEMIC AT RISK OF TORTURE

UA : Fourth 86.24

Academic and peace activist Bahruz Samadov’s treatment in detention raises serious concerns about possible torture and other ill-treatment. He has reportedly been …

Take Action

Receive timely opportunities to speak out for people whose human rights are under attack.

"*" indicates required fields

Global Opt-in

UAN Opt-in

Name*

Email*

Mobile Number

By providing your mobile number, you are signing up to receive calls, recurring messages from Amnesty International USA. Reply STOP to quit. Msg and data rates may apply. Privacy & Terms.