Zambian court blocks film investigating Chinese businesses

Screenshots taken from the News Diggers doc, “Chinese Investment in Zambia: The Good, The Bad and The Dangerous.” (Screenshot: News Diggers)

Lusaka, June 6, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned by a Zambian court’s issuance of an interim injunction to prevent the airing of a documentary on Chinese investment in the southern Africa country, pending a June 12 hearing.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia sued privately owned News Diggers after the outlet shared a May 20 teaser on Facebook for its film, “Chinese Investment in Zambia: The Good, The Bad and The Dangerous,” according to a copy of the court order, reviewed by CPJ, and News Diggers Editor-in-Chief Joseph Mwenda, who spoke to CPJ.

“The prior censorship of News Diggers’ documentary is a stark reminder that press freedom is imperiled in Zambia,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo. “Zambian authorities should stand vigilant against efforts to silence the media and should support, rather than undermine, public interest journalism.”

The Lusaka High Court issued the gag order on May 22, the day before the film was due to be broadcast. The film’s trailer included images of alleged labor abuses and violence.

In a letter to News Diggers, reviewed by CPJ, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce said the teaser was aimed at “disparaging, demeaning and tainting” the image of Chinese investments and asked to have its formal response included in the film.

The court said the outlet could be guilty of contempt of court if it aired the documentary in breach of the injunction, which carries a penalty of a six-month jail term or a fine of up to 300 kwacha (US$12).

CPJ’s calls to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia’s president Tie Li and an email requesting comment did not receive any replies.

CPJ has documented numerous attacks and arrests of journalists in Zambia and April’s new cyber laws further threaten press freedom.