The Human Rights Commission is saddened by the reported violence against a named Post newspaper reporter, who was allegedly beaten up over the weekend by police officers. The Commission condemns in the strongest terms the alleged harassment of the journalist by the police. The repeated battering and beating of journalists in line of duty should be stopped by responsible organs to ensure that the rights of journalists are protected. Such acts of law enforcement officials does, in fact, pose a threat to the rule of law and democracy in this country and should, therefore, not be allowed to continue.
The Commission is concerned that there does not seem to be an end to violence against journalists even after it has been widely condemned by different sections of the society. The Commission is deeply concerned about the continuing trend of attacks on journalists by law enforcement officers, politicians and other members of the society which is a violation of freedom of expression and the right of journalists to carry out their duty to inform the public freely.
The Commission has noted with great concern that there have been a number of instances when journalists and other media personnel have been harassed in connection with their work not only by the police, but also by other members of the society. These include the issuing of threats and intimidation of community media workers who have aired programmes on critical issues or matters considered as sensitive. Radio Mano, Isoka Radio, Kasempa Radio and Hot FM Radio are some of the radio stations that have been reported to have faced harassment of their media workers during the year.
The Commission is concerned that attacks targeted at journalists can threaten the protection and promotion of human rights in the country as it creates limitations on press freedoms and freedom of expression which in turn contribute to the erosion of human rights and the public’s rights to information. Journalists and the media have a duty to inform the public and the public has a right to receive information and requires an enabling and secure environment to optimally enjoy this right. This environment should and can only be provided by the state as the duty bearer. Therefore, continued violence against Journalist is a threat not only to freedom of expression but the right of the public to information about what is happening around them. The government and Zambia Police have to ensure that the handling of journalists is carried out in compliance with human rights standards, in particular, as concerns respect for freedom of expression and press freedom.
The Commission urges law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the officers involved to book. The Police should not hinder journalists from doing their job and conveying the truth to the public, while demanding that freedom of thought and expression is upheld as guaranteed in the Bill of Rights part 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia 1991 (as amended in 1996).
Issued by:
Florence Chibwesha (Ms)
DIRECTOR – HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The beating of journalists can only be compared to a dictatorial governance existing in the nation. Journalists merely convey truth of what is happening to a nation and how government reacts to the situation prevailing. Journalists who adhere to ethics of reporting will never be beaten and if so the general public will be behind them, However, when journalists take a stand politically and back up certain personalities on political grounds, as was experienced with Post news paper journalists who most of them have been rewarded with political appointments such as Chella, Kabwela etc then beating is what is rewarded to them. In this current beating of a post journalist even the post has not reported save Human rights commission condemnation of it. Times do change.
Do we actually have an organization called ‘Human Rights Commission’ in this country? They must have gone to sleep… all the human rights violations that have been happening under the PF watch, that’s when they are talking, wow! Listen to the language, it’s like a year 8 Civics lecture. What an irrelevant commission this is. They need to talk with venom all the time and not just when a Post reporter is involved. They need to sue and take some of these violations to court on behalf of victims. Wake up from your slumber.
Clearly you have little understanding of the mandate of the Human Rights Commission. Read the Zambian Constitution for more info on what they can and cannot do. They don’t operate like legal aid.
Oh no, isnt this cycle mata’s Katombo human wrongs commission…whose existence is to protect personal rather than national interests?
Ms Chibwesha Director I would want to commend you stating this but what I am struggling with is where have been? So it has to take a Post journalist for you to speak? What of the denial of freedom of association that political parties in the opposition are faced with? This is placating condemnation. I guess you had to seek for permission to issue this statement and since it talked about the blue eyed boy called the Post permission was granted. How institutions are destroyed in Zambia is indeed a shame. So now you do the right thing but because of your deafening silence for violation of human rights all along, we begin to ask questions as to why you’ve found it prudent to do it now.
We have Human Rights Commission in Zambia?? I did not know that!!
Journalist or not everyone should be protected, the Police has really become brutal. Stella needs to go, she can’t handle issues professionally. The Police should be their to Protect all Citizens despite their Political affiliations that’s why it is State Police funded using Tax.
Are the police PF’s hunting and barking dogs? Is that how they view themselves? Shame on you, Zambia police.
When UPND cadres were being clobbered by Police, Human Rights commission were quiet. Now because it involves the self-proclaimed “King Maker”, the commission has stood up.
Good call.It is about time.