Court rejects Tukuta’s application

THE Lusaka magistrate court has dismissed photographer, Chellah Tukuta’s application to refer his matter to the Lusaka High Court, for constitutional reference. Tukuta is charged with one count of libel against Information Minister, Dora Siliya.  When the matter came up for continuation of trial, Tukuta’slawyers made an application to have the matter referred to the High Court for constitutional …

Court rejects Tukuta’s application
THE Lusaka magistrate court has dismissed photographer, Chellah Tukuta’s application to refer his matter to the Lusaka High Court, for constitutional reference. Tukuta is charged with one count of libel against Information Minister, Dora Siliya.  When the matter came up for continuation of trial, Tukuta’slawyers made an application to have the matter referred to the High Court for constitutional referencing.  Tukuta’s lawyer, Linda Kasonde argued that the section in the penal code used to charge Tukuta contravenes an article on Freedom of Expression in the Zambian Constitution.  But Chief Resident Magis- trate, Lameck Mwale dismissed the application saying the application lacks legal basis. – ZNBC.