UN special envoy in Zambia to assess freedom of expression

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA —A United Nations special rapporteur is on a 10-day visit to Zambia to assess accusations that the government is stifling dissent.According to the U.N., Irene Khan will also focus on Zambia’s legal and policy framework and the safety of journalists, activists and human rights defenders in the country. Upon her arrival in Lusaka on Friday, the special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion told journalists that her visit to Zambia will give her the chance to hear from all sides and make recommendations. “I can also discuss … recent developments or legislative developments, other issues of how to strengthen your government’s commitment to human rights, especially freedom of opinion and expression,” Khan said. In May of last year, police in Zambia arrested two opposition lawmakers, two opposition party leaders and an activist on espionage charges. This followed their accusation that the government played a role in the alleged abduction of an independent lawmaker, E...