FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS THERE, BUT FREEDOM AFTER SPEECH IS NOT GUARANTEED!
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Authored By; Mupishi Jones
Ba Zambia, let me tell you the truth that many people learn when it is too late!
Everyone has freedom of speech! The Constitution gives you! You can go on Facebook Live, you can insult, you can shout, you can get 10,000 followers!
But listen — freedom AFTER speech is not guaranteed!
The microphone will give you voice, but it will NOT give you immunity!
Look at two examples that are trending!
EXAMPLE NUMBER 1: CHILUFYA TAYALI
Ba Zambia, you remember Tayali? The man who was fearless on Facebook? Insulting everyone?
In June 2026, what happened? He had to issue a public apology! To President Hakainde Hichilema! To Chief Mukuni! To Bemba-speaking community! To security personnel! He himself said his remarks were inappropriate and offensive! His lawyers later said criminal matters were discontinued after legal process!
Where was the Facebook applause when he was apologizing? Where were the 10k followers?
EXAMPLE NUMBER 2: JAY JAY BANDA
Hon. Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda — police announced on 16th October 2026 that he is in Zambia, awaiting formal arrest and charges.
Now, let me be clear as Defender of Truth: Allegations against him must go through due process! He is entitled to fair hearing! We respect the law!
But the lesson is there!
Some public figures think because they can trend on Facebook, because they can command thousands of views, they are untouchable! They think social media likes = legal immunity!
Ba Zambia, it does not work like that!
You can be popular online, but the law is offline! You can have 50,000 followers, but followers cannot stand with you in court! You can insult powerful people and get applause today, but tomorrow you will be asked to explain those same words before the law!
And this is not about fearing to speak against government! NO!
Freedom of expression is fundamental! Criticizing government is democracy! Bally himself allows criticism! That is why Zambia is free!
But there is a difference!
Criticize government on policy — YES!
Question authority — YES!
Demand accountability — YES!
But threaten? Defame? Insult tribes? Disregard the law? — That is NOT freedom of speech! That is inviting consequences!
You cannot demand that everyone else should obey the law, while you think your own mouth is above the law!
So my advice to all public figures, including myself Mupishi Jones:
Speak your mind! But speak with responsibility!
Question authority! But respect the law!
Demand accountability! But also accept accountability!
Because the applause you get on Facebook Live TODAY cannot guarantee that TOMORROW will be easy!
I submit!
Mupishi Jones
Defender of Truth
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