Politicians condemn detention of Zambian music star

Opposition politicians in Zambia have criticised the arrest of Chama Fumba, a famous musician and anti-corruption campaigner. 

Mr Fumba, who performs under the name Pilato, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly addressing an unauthorised rally in the southern Zambian city of Livingstone. If convicted of unlawful assembly, the musician faces up to five years in jail. 

Two human rights activists later travelled from the country’s capital Lusaka to Livingstone in order to secure Mr Fumba’s release on police bond. They were detained on arrival and all three now remain in police custody. 

Mr Fumba was previously arrested in 2015 over a song that was deemed to criticise Zambian President Edgar Lungu. 

Photo credit: AFP