IN a strange turn of events that has left many questioning the state of freedom of expression in Zambia, police in Lusaka have apprehended a 22-year-old vendor, Jeremiah Nkunika, for posting crying emojis in a WhatsApp group called Ichilenkalipa Zambia.
Nkunika was picked up on Monday by two plainclothes officers from Photobank along Cairo Road, where he sells goods as a street vendor.
According to his father, Mr. Peter Nkunika, the arrest followed a message Jeremiah posted in the group, accompanied by crying emojis and the caption: “People are crying in the nation.”
“He just posted crying emojis and said people are suffering. The next thing, he was picked up and taken to Force Headquarters,” Mr. Nkunika told reporters. “Later, they moved him to Kabwata Police Station. They haven’t even charged him yet.”
Police have not officially disclosed the offence, but it is suspected that Jeremiah may be charged under the controversial Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.
The law, enacted in 2021, has drawn criticism from civil society and international observers for its potential to suppress freedom of expression online.
“What kind of country are we becoming where someone can be arrested just for expressing how people feel?” Mr. Nkunika lamented. “Is it now a crime to say people are suffering?”
The case has sparked a wave of concern on social media, with many users criticising what they view as heavy-handed enforcement of the cybercrime law.
The United States Embassy in Lusaka had previously cautioned against the sweeping nature of the legislation, warning it could be used to stifle dissent and silence citizens.
Jeremiah remains in custody without formal charges.