Other tools of harassment include criminal libel suits and defamation suits brought by MMD leaders in response to stories on corruption. The Zambia Independent Media Association launched public appeals on several cases of the government attempting to intimidate the press. Constitutionally protected religious freedom has been respected in practice. In 1999, however, the government drafted a policy that would closely regulate NGOs. The government human rights commission investigated frequent complaints about police brutality and denounced the torture of coup suspects, but has no power to bring charges against alleged perpetrators.
Societal discrimination remains a serious obstacle to women s rights.
A 1998 regional human development report noted that Zambia was one of the lowest performing countries in southern Africa in terms of women s empowerment. Women are denied full economic participation and are discriminated against in rural lands allocation. A married woman must have her husband s permission to obtain contraceptives. Discrimination against women is especially prevalent in traditional tribunals that are courts of first instance in most rural areas. Spousal abuse and other violence against women are reportedly common.