Amnesty International accuses China of blocking RightsCon event

Africa, Investigation

LUSAKA, Zambia (NPA) — Amnesty International has accused China of being behind the sudden stoppage of RightsCon, the global technology and human rights conference scheduled to open in Lusaka, Zambia from Tuesday until Friday this week.

Organizers said foreign interference forced the postponement, marking what Amnesty described as a growing pattern of Chinese authorities using influence to silence dissent and restrict open dialogue.

More than 5,000 participants from 150 countries and 750 organizations had registered, and this would have been the first time the event was hosted in Sub‑Saharan Africa.

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Amnesty condemned the development as censorship and a direct attack on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. “State‑driven intimidation must face consequences,” the group said, urging the Zambian government to disclose the full reasons behind the cancellation.

The rights group called on all states to support the event organizer, Access Now, in securing an alternative venue to ensure RightsCon takes place this year. The organization warned that efforts to suppress debate undermine democratic values and global cooperation on human rights.