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Kambwili begins defence in ‘hate speech’ case

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Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) member of the Central Committee, Chishimba Kambwili, has appeared in the Kasama Magistrate Court for commencement of defense in the case in which he is charged with the offence of expressing hatred and ridicule for people based on tribe and place of origin.

Mr Kambwili, 54, of house number 9, Wisteria Avenue, Luanshya, appeared before Kasama Resident Magistrate, Samson Mumba.

Giving his evidence, Mr Kambwili argued that in his address during a radio programme at Radio Mano in Kasama in 2021, did not issue any hate speech against the Tonga people of Southern Province.

He said on the contrary, he was reacting to alleged tribal remarks attributed to the then opposition UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema and party member, Buumba Malambo in a video that went viral on social media.

Mr Kambwili added that his message was also centered on campaigning for the PF in the run up to the 2021 general elections.

“I am extremely shocked that my innocent address to the Zambians during the radio programme can be classified as hate speech and ridicule against the Tonga speaking people,” said Mr Kambwili.

He added that his message during the radio programme was centered on advising people not to tolerate politicians advocating for voting on tribal lines.

Mr Kambwili further questioned the evidence presented by the seven prosecution witnesses before the court alleging that the case seems to be that of political persecution and intimidation.

“The indictment drafters were merely cherry picking items in the recorded programme to suit their motives. As a politician, I have no reason to demean any of the 73 tribes domiciled in the Republic of Zambia,” he added.

However, the state lawyers objected to the move by the defense to play an audio recording in court as evidence because it contained some remarks that needed a Tonga interpreter.

Kasama Resident Magistrate, Samson Mumba ruled that the defense must therefore secure a Tonga interpreter.

Magistrate Mumba has since adjourned the matter to 20th October, 2023 for continued defense.

Rupert Murdoch Steps Down as Fox and News Corp. Chairman, Shaking Up Media and Politics

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the media and political landscapes, Rupert Murdoch, the influential right-wing media mogul, has announced his retirement as chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corporation. The 92-year-old media titan, known for building and overseeing a global media empire, revealed his decision in a memo to employees on Thursday.

“For my entire professional life, I have been engaged daily with news and ideas, and that will not change,” Murdoch stated in his memo. “But the time is right for me to take on different roles, knowing that we have truly talented teams.”

Rupert Murdoch’s leadership of Fox and News Corporation, the publisher of influential publications like The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, has granted him considerable influence within the Republican Party, a position rivaled by only a few.

This retirement announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the media industry as established entertainment giants grapple with the transformation of traditional television and film, while consumers increasingly turn to streaming services.

Notably, Murdoch’s departure from the helm of his media conglomerates will have far-reaching implications on the political landscape, coinciding with the intensifying 2024 presidential race. Fox News remains entangled in legal battles stemming from its promotion of former President Donald Trump’s unfounded election claims in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

Taking the reins from Rupert Murdoch will be his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, who already serves as the chief executive of Fox Corporation. Lachlan will assume the role of sole chairman for both companies.

Rupert Murdoch praised Lachlan as “a passionate, principled leader,” indicating that the right-wing editorial stance associated with his media companies is likely to remain intact. In his memo to employees, Murdoch alluded to their shared commitment to freedom and criticism of “self-serving bureaucracies” and “elites” who he believes disdain those outside their social circles.

While Lachlan Murdoch is expected to continue the family’s conservative media legacy, it’s worth noting that he has privately voiced disagreements with former President Trump’s behavior, according to sources. He reportedly expressed concerns about the potential impact on the country should Trump decide to run for office again.

Rupert Murdoch’s career in media began in the 1950s with the acquisition of a small Australian newspaper chain. Over the years, he expanded his media empire to include influential British newspapers, such as The Times and The Sun, before venturing into the United States with the acquisition of newspapers like the New York Post.

One of his most significant purchases was Twentieth Century Fox in 1985, marking his entry into the Hollywood entertainment industry. Murdoch also launched Sky, a UK satellite pay-TV broadcaster, in 1989, and later attempted to dominate the internet with the acquisition of MySpace in 2005, although the latter venture proved unsuccessful.

In 2019, Murdoch sold a substantial portion of his media empire, including Twentieth Century Fox, to Disney in a $71 billion deal. He retained control of News Corp., which includes the Wall Street Journal.

Murdoch’s influence extended to Fox News, which he founded in 1996 as a conservative competitor to CNN. Over the years, Fox News evolved into a dominant force in cable news, although its coverage faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories, particularly during the Trump era.

The retirement of Rupert Murdoch marks the end of an era in media and politics, and the succession of his son Lachlan will be closely watched as it shapes the future direction of Murdoch-owned media outlets.

Secretary-General Appoints Dennis Zulu of Zambia UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Dennis Zulu of Zambia as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, with the host Government’s approval. Mr. Zulu will also be responsible for coordinating UN work in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos and Cayman Islands.

Mr. Zulu has more than 20 years of experience in development work, the private sector and academia. Prior to taking up his appointment as Resident Coordinator, he served as Director of International Labour Organization (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean. There, he led efforts to provide programmatic support and guidance to ILO constituents in identifying and addressing their country Decent Work priorities.

He also directed the formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the substantive work programmes of the Decent Work Team. His work helped policy development through the promotion of the Decent Work Agenda dimension to social, economic and environmental policymakers and other stakeholders.

Mr. Zulu also served as UN Resident Coordinator a.i. for Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Aruba and Curaçao from March 2022 to June 2023. He has also served as ILO Director for English Speaking West Africa and Representative to the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS), based in Nigeria, from 2015 to 2019.

Mr. Zulu holds a master’s degree in business administration from Mzumbe University, United Republic of Tanzania, a post-graduate diploma from Stellenbosch University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Zambia.

ECZ to Reopen Tender for Printing and Delivery of Ballot Materials

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The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced that the tender for the printing and delivery of ballot papers, ballot paper posters, and blind voter templates over a three-year period will be reopened on Friday, September 22, 2023. This decision was revealed by the Acting Chief Electoral Officer, Bob Musenga, during a press briefing held in Lusaka.

The reopening of the tender marks a significant step in the electoral preparations for Zambia. Bob Musenga, in his statement to the media, highlighted the importance of this move in securing the necessary materials for future elections.

In addition to the announcement regarding the tender, Mr. Musenga disclosed that the Electoral Commission of Zambia has initiated the Continuous Registration of Voters in 10 additional districts. This development expands the ongoing voter registration efforts to a total of 20 districts across the country.

The Continuous Registration of Voters is a crucial component of the electoral process, as it allows eligible citizens to register and update their voter information regularly. By extending this initiative to more districts, the ECZ aims to enhance voter accessibility and ensure that the voter rolls are up to date for upcoming elections.

Mr. Musenga did not provide specific details regarding the districts where the Continuous Registration of Voters is being conducted. However, this expansion underscores the ECZ’s dedication to facilitating the participation of all eligible voters in the democratic process.

The reopening of the tender and the expansion of voter registration efforts are significant milestones as Zambia prepares for future elections.

Government Addresses Health Worker Shortage, Plans to Recruit Thousands

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In response to the persistent challenges faced by the health sector, including the availability and distribution of competent health workers, Zambia’s Health Minister, Sylvia Masebo, has announced significant steps taken by the government to alleviate this concern. Minister Masebo emphasized the importance of bolstering the healthcare workforce to meet the country’s healthcare needs effectively.

During a recent speech at the 3rd graduation ceremony of 1,656 health professionals from Levy Mwanawasa University, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the country.

Minister Masebo acknowledged the pressing need for additional healthcare workers and highlighted the government’s efforts in this regard. In 2022 alone, the government employed over 11,000 health workers, a significant step toward enhancing the country’s healthcare capacity. She further revealed that the government plans to recruit an additional 3,000 health workers in 2023.

Through these recruitment initiatives, Minister Masebo explained that the government aims to streamline health promotion and disease prevention efforts within communities. By ensuring an adequate number of competent health workers, the government intends to improve healthcare access and quality, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality rates.

Minister Masebo commended Levy Mwanawasa Medical University for its role in producing highly skilled and competent healthcare professionals. The institution’s contribution to the healthcare sector aligns with the government’s goal of addressing the critical shortage of healthcare workers in the country.

In her absence, Health Permanent Secretary Christopher Simoonga delivered Minister Masebo’s speech during the graduation ceremony. He echoed the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce and providing quality healthcare services to all Zambians.

Levy Mwanawasa University Vice Chancellor Prof. Elwyn Chomba expressed the institution’s dedication to creating a conducive learning environment for healthcare students. Prof. Chomba emphasized that the university would continue to adapt its education and training systems to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.

High cost of Living is hurting,its a time bomb-Fred Mmembe

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Today, I want to share my deepest thoughts and feelings about the sad reality of the hunger, poverty and despair that is prevailing in our homeland, among our people currently.
I want to candidly and fairly convey my true feelings and experiences about the situation we are faced with, not as a politician but as a leader and parent, who is also raising a family in the midst of the high cost of living we are experiencing as a nation.

Certainly, the rising cost of living is hurting and there don’t seem to be quick political fixes our people were promised. No one today is saying “Bally will fix it” – not even Bally himself. This is worrying.

With the rising cost of living, our people are feeling the pressure financially, psychologically and otherwise. Words fail me to best describe the level of grief, sadness, anger and hunger I have come into contact with during my visits to several and different households and communities across the country – both in urban centers like Lusaka and the Copperbelt, and rural areas like Chinsali, where I am a traditional leader.

In my trips to these communities, the sadness, brokenness and desperation, which the rise in cost of living has brought to our people is heartbreaking and painful. We have witnessed unprecedented levels of hunger, poverty and despair amongst citizens, which is difficult to comprehend and later on articulate in a way that best reflects what is currently happening in our nation.

It is a fact that the rising cost of living is more than an economic squeeze: it is a public health emergency, potentially on a par with the COVID-19 pandemic. Not being able to afford the essentials, such as food, rent, electricity or transport, has wide-ranging negative impacts on mental and physical health and well-being.

Families are in distress. Basic daily feeding has become a very big challenge. Our mothers, our wives, our aunties, our sisters are failing to sleep. Blood pressures are rising exponentially with the rise in the cost of living. Far too many people in the country today can barely afford a meal or two in a day. We have seen how some households have devised a system to ensure that at least everybody eats something to keep them going. And this system involves members of the household to alternate between meals; where one group eats lunch and leaves dinner for the other group that skipped lunch to eat as well.

This may sound weird and baffling but that is the reality. It’s happening in many households. Families are stressed and are breaking as providers battle to deal with the mental trauma of losing a livelihood and the inability to cope with the situation and fend for their families. Definitely, there is a silent but tragic story unfolding in our country today and politicians should urgently protect the most vulnerable, those in distress.

These problems cannot be left to our pastors, reverends, priests and other religious leaders when even the Sunday church offerings are declining because congregants have nothing or have very little to put in the basket. This is the first experience of such sharp and sustained cost of living increases since the 1980s. But unions were stronger and pay agreements were very different then.

While prices are increasing everyday our earning power has been stuck in a rut. The cost of living has increased steadily and relentlessly over the past two years. But our political system means politicians’ promises to tackle it have been largely futile.

It will get worse. This gnaws away at a person’s dignity.
An experience typically reserved for the poor is now afflicting middle classes and they aren’t happy. It is spilling over to our politics and there’s panic in the political leadership of our country. They are scared about how the people will react to all this. They don’t want anyone to talk about it – hence the attempt to silence key opposition leaders and critics. They are scared that talking about these issues may spark protests, hence the attempt to silence, intimidate the opposition with charges of treason, espionage and so on and so forth.

But this will not work. They can silence a few timid politicians, hire some spineless, hungry and greed opposition politicians to speak for them, but it won’t help them much. They can’t silence the hungry masses of our people because if there’s no one to speak for them – because their authentic representatives have been silenced – they will eventually start to directly speak for themselves. And their language will be very clear to be ignored!

This uncontrolled daily increase in the cost of living is a time bomb! Therefore, arresting us on trumped up treason or espionage charges won’t do – it will be an exercise in futility which is bound to backfire. And without us the explosion of this time bomb may be uncontrollable.
We socialists are patriots. With or without us we would like to see Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his league succeed in addressing these very distressing challenges facing our people and our homeland. We don’t want to defeat them on the back of national failure. There will be enough reasons to seek their removal on August 13, 2026. Baleya!

Fred M’membe

Court adjouns defilement case to ascertain age of the accused

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The Katete Resident Magistrate, Elias Sakala, has adjourned a defilement case involving a 19-year -old boy of Gundamwala Village in Chief Mbang’ombe’s Chiefdom in Katete District of Eastern Province.
Magistrate Sakala said he was adjourning the case to September 22, 2023 for continued trial in order to ascertain the correct age of the suspect.

Magistrate Sakala directed the grandfather to the accused who happens to be the headman for Gundamwala Village to avail before the court evidence of the correct age for the accused.

“I adjourn this matter in order to ascertain his age. Bring the village register and his school register. Do not tamper with the books, just bring as it is. We are adjourning this matter to establish the age of the accused because when he took plea, he said he was 19 years of age but today he has changed to 18 years of age. So, matter adjourned to 22 September 2023,” he said.

Vincent Tembo is appearing before the Katete Magistrate court for defilement contrary to section 138 (1) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that the accused on the dates unknown but between 1st June 2022 and 12th August 2023 in Katete had unlawful carnal knowledge of a female juvenile under the age of 16.

Appearing before Magistrate Sakala, the female juvenile narrated the circumstances surrounding the case.
The victim stated that between the said dates, the accused asked her to be his girlfriend of which she agreed.
“It is from here that I had sex with him at his house in his bedroom around 20:00 hours. The sex was only once, we have never had from that time,” she told the court.

Tourism week activities launched

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Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba has flagged off activities to mark the observance of the tourism week which runs from the 21 to 27 September, 2023.

Mr. Sikumba led members of staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Lusaka National Museum and the Zambia Tourism Agency in cleaning the premises around the Lusaka Museum and planting trees.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the cleaning exercise today, Mr. Sikumba said the cleaning activity was meant to increase the visibility of museums in the country.

He noted that museums play an important role in preserving the country’s national heritage and culture.
The Minister implored members of the public to visit museums and the embassy park so as to appreciate the country’s rich history.

Mr. Sikumba however bemoaned that locals do not frequently visit national heritage sites that the country is endowed with.He stated that it is important for locals to take interest in visiting museums, national heritage sites and national parks.

Mr. Sikumba cited the embassy park as one the sites that people should visit and appreciate the history behind the lives of the former President’s.

He added that the Ministry of Tourism will work closely with the national heritage in beautifying the embassy park. Mr. Sikumba said the embassy park should be a spot where people can visit and enjoy the recreation.

Bakala Praises Nkana After Getting First Point of the Season

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Nkana coach Ian Bakala has hailed his side for picking their first point of the season in a midweek fixture against FC Muza.

In Bakala’s first match in charge, Nkana ended a three match losing run with a 1-1 draw against Muza in a rescheduled Super League match at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

In a post match comment, Bakala said there is more work to be done at Nkana as the season progresses.

“First assignment, I think we did well although we still have a lot of work to do,” Bakala told reporters at Woodlands Stadium.

“Despite fighting for the first goal in the league I think the players were under pressure to score. That is why you saw we missed some chances. Going forward players will have patience on the goal,” he said.

“I don’t have any pressure because I know what I am going to put on the ground. Nkana have got good players, it is just the philosophy,” he said.

Nkana’s next league match is against Bakala’s immediate past club Forest Rangers this weekend.

“In the next two or three games we are going to see a different ball game,” Bakala said.

Two former ZESCO workers arrested for corruption

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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Mongu district of Western province, has arrested two former ZESCO employees for corrupt practices involving K10, 000.

Brian Lupasa, aged 39 of Mandanga Compound a former ZESCO Senior Electrician and Kwalombota Kwalombota aged 37, of Mulambwa Compound a former ZESCO General Worker, have been jointly arrested and charged with two counts of Corrupt Practices by Public Officers contrary to section 19(1) and 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act  of the Laws of Zambia.

Details of the offence are that Mr Lupasa and Mr. Kwalombota on dates unknown but between 1st November, 2022 and 30th November, 2022, in Mongu District being Public Officers, jointly and whilst acting together did in count one corruptly solicit for a sum of K10, 000 and in count two actually received K3, 000 cash gratification from a local known Mongu businessman.

This was a reward or inducement to avoid the prosecution of the said businessman for the offence of partial power bypass, a matter that concerns ZESCO Limited.

The duo has since been released on bond and will appear in court soon.

This is contained in a statement issued by Anti-Corruption Commission Head-Corporate Communications Timothy Moono.

Recruitment of 4500 teachers starts

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The Teaching Service Commission (TCZ) has officially commenced the recruitment process for Teachers for the year 2023.

Commission Chairperson Daphne Chimuka said the exercise aimed at strengthening the education sector and also give an opportunity to qualified individuals to contribute to the education sector.

Speaking in an interview in Lusaka today, Ms Chimuka said the Government will continue to offer employment opportunities to address the shortage of teachers in schools.

“Our primary goal is to select the best teachers based solely on their qualifications and abilities, without any bias, we want to address the current shortage of teachers” she said.

Ms Chimuka,has also advised the prospective teachers not to entertain scammers ahead of the recruitment exercise, adding that the government charges people to be employed.

“Ministry of Education and the Teaching Service Commissions do not accept any money for any services that we offer, these jobs are for Zambians and those who deserve to get the jobs will get them without making any payments.” She said,

And Zambia Police Service Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has appealed to applicants to have their fingerprints done from various police stations near their localities.

“The fee that is attached to the fingerprints process is one hundred and fifty kwacha, there are no express fees attached to this process.” says Mr Hamoonga.

Meanwhile, the Examination Council of Zambia, Public Relations Manager Nicholas Nkuwa said the commission is ready to render all the required services to the applicants.

Mr Nkuwa explained that members of the public who intend to apply for this recruitment don’t need to pre verify their results with ECZ, because the verification will be done after they have made their applications through the procedure that has been prescribed by TCZ.

“Applicants should remain calm and allow us to do the work to make sure we release verified results, we don’t want to find anyone wanting, it is very important that this process is followed” he said.

Pastor On The Run After Allegedly Defiling 4 Girls

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Police in Senga Hill District of Muchinga Province have launched a manhunt for a pastor who has allegedly defiled three girls from one family after luring them to a nearby bush with sweets.

Pastor ABEL Sichivula of Pentecostal Holiness Church, allegedly defiled the four girls aged between eight and 13 years on September 14th, 2023.

Muchinga Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer Ronald Zambo says the suspect used his granddaughter who plays with the girls, to lure them to a nearby bush where he promised them sweets and bubble gums.

Mr. ZAMBO has told ZNBC News in a statement that the girls were rushed to Nakonde District Hospital where they were examined, and they are now in a stable condition at home.

ZNBC

Outside Influence suspected in Recent UNZA Riot

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The University of Zambia’s (UNZA) Registrar, Theresa Chansa, has expressed suspicion that the recent riot that occurred at the East Road campus may have been influenced by outsiders. This revelation came to light during a visit by Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata to the Great East Campus.

The unrest on the campus raised concerns about potential external influences on the student body. Ms. Chansa suggested that the disturbances were not solely the result of internal issues but may have involved external actors.

Lusaka Province Commissioner of Police, Cretu Kaanza, echoed this sentiment by urging students not to allow themselves to be influenced by outsiders. The police commissioner’s statement underscored the importance of maintaining campus security and preventing external interference in student affairs.

During her visit to the Great East Campus, Minister Sheal Mulyata addressed the students and emphasized the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue to address grievances. She urged students to find amicable ways to voice their concerns, thus preventing external parties from taking advantage of internal issues.

Talks Ongoing Between Cabinet and Office of 6th President

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The Ministry of Information’s Director Spokesperson, Thabo Kawana, has revealed that discussions are currently underway between Cabinet and the office of the 6th President concerning various matters related to former President Edgar Lungu.

Mr. Kawana emphasized the importance of ensuring that all of Mr. Lungu’s travels adhere to the correct procedures and protocols. He stated that the former President represents an institution and is considered the property of the state. Therefore, any issues regarding his affairs should follow the proper procedures.

During a press briefing yesterday, Mr. Kawana addressed the rumors circulating on social media that suggested Mr. Lungu had been removed from an aircraft. He clarified that these allegations are untrue.

Furthermore, Mr. Kawana expressed the government’s viewpoint regarding the “Grand Scheme” documentary produced by a foreign news agency. He described the documentary as unofficial and claimed it was designed to create divisions between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In addition to these matters, Mr. Kawana provided information about the upcoming teacher recruitment. He explained that the recruitment process would involve 3,500 teachers and 1,000 auxiliary staff members.

Apple to Issue Software Update for iPhone 12 Amid Radiation Concerns

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Apple has announced plans to release a software update for iPhone 12 devices in France, following concerns raised by French regulators regarding the device’s electromagnetic radiation levels. The move comes after France’s National Frequency Agency (ANFR) reported that the iPhone 12 exceeded European Union regulations for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

SAR measures the rate at which a human body absorbs radiation from a device. According to EU standards, the SAR limit for “head and trunk” exposure should not exceed 2 Watts of power per kilogram of body tissue, averaged over six minutes. For “limbs” exposure when the phone is held in the hand or in clothing, it’s 4 W/kg. France’s ANFR found that the iPhone 12 exceeded the “limbs” limit, measuring 5.74 W/kg.

The ANFR called on Apple to withdraw the iPhone 12 from the market or “quickly remedy this malfunction.” French digital and telecommunications minister Jean-Noel Barot suggested that software updates could address the issue.

Apple responded to ANFR’s findings by stating that the iPhone 12 had been certified by multiple international bodies and that it provided documentation to demonstrate compliance with regulatory limits. The company maintained that the problem was related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern.

To resolve the matter, Apple will issue a software update tailored for users in France. This update aims to accommodate the specific testing protocol used by French regulators. The update is expected to be delivered in the coming days.

However, this development raises questions about the availability of iPhone 12 in other countries. It is important to note that SAR limits set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States are 1.6 W/kg. The iPhone 12’s SAR levels, which were measured at 1.554 W/kg at their peak during specific use cases, met FCC requirements when the device was released in 2020.

France’s decision to halt iPhone 12 sales and demand corrective actions has also spurred similar investigations in other countries, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. These actions highlight the potential for regulatory measures that could impact Apple’s devices across the European Union.

While some studies have raised concerns about the effects of mobile phone radiation, the World Health Organization maintains that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest harm from low-level electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones. As Apple addresses this issue, it remains to be seen how the situation will impact iPhone 12 availability and regulatory actions in other regions.