Zambia: 'Gay' Trial Is Politically Motivated

analysis

On 16 October 2013, the long awaited trial of human rights activist, Paul Kasonkomona, proceeded in the Lusaka Magistrates Court in Zambia. Evidence led by the State during Kasonkomona's trial confirms suspicions that the arrest and prosecution of Kasonkomona was politically motivated.

On 7 April 2013 Kasonkomona was arrested outside Muvi TV studios after he appeared on a television programme, the Assignment, where he spoke about the rights of LGBT persons. Kasonkomona was charged with an offence in terms of section 178(g) of the Zambian Penal Code, which provides that "every person who in any public place solicits for immoral purposes" is deemed an idle and disorderly person, and liable to imprisonment for one month or to a fine.

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