Nigeria, June 23 -- The Committee to Protect Journalists on Monday expressed alarm at a Zambian bill that could jail journalists who work without a license for up to five years if it were to become law, according to a draft reviewed by CPJ.

"We are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency in the legislative process surrounding the Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill, which would place alarmingly restrictive controls on the media," said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo. "We call on the government to ensure that this bill, which was publicly disavowed by President Hakainde Hichilema, does not become law."

The bill would require journalists to obtain an annual license from a regulatory institute, which could be rescinded ...