The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has filed a lawsuit against the government, challenging the constitutionality of the new Cyber Security Act No. 3 and Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.
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In a petition filed on July 11 with the Lusaka High Court, LAZ argues that the new laws violate fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of the press, privacy, conscience, and association..
LAZ’s petition claims the laws are inconsistent with the Constitution and should be removed.
“Where a provision of an Act of parliament contravenes a provision of the Constitution, the same is liable to be struck off to the extent of its inconsistency with the Constitution,’ the association stated.
LAZ argued that Article 20 of Part 3 of the Constitution of Zambia provides that: “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference.”
“The Petitioner’s legal mandate involves speaking on matters of public interest in the printed press, electronic press and also in cyber space on various platforms,” LAZ stated.
The association asserted that the legislation infringes on its own ability, and that of its members, to speak on matters of public interest.
The lawsuit specifically targets several sections of both acts, arguing they are not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.
LAZ asked the court to declare these provisions unconstitutional and have them struck from the laws.
They named the Attorney-General as the respondent in the case while challenging the following sections of the new cyber laws: Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025: Sections 5, 6, 10, 21, 22 (2), 24 (1) (b), 24 (2), 27, 30, 31, and 32.
Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025: Sections 2, 18, 23 (3), 23 (4), 29, 30, and 32.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba July 17, 2025
