Development Partnership International (DPI) says it strongly condemns any form of violence and harassment against journalists as the practice has the capacity to result into severe socio-economic dilemmas.
DPI Zambia media coordinator Richard Musauka said the continued harassment and physical abuse of journalists by political party cadres in recent months can have a negative affect both domestic and international investments.
Mr. Musauka also said the violence by cadres makes meaningless the August 2008 election of Zambia as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).[quote]
This is contained in a press statement made available in Lusaka today.
Mr. Musauka explained that it is important to remember that Zambia was in August last year elected as a member of the UNHRC adding that this election should make the country to have good record on human rights.
He stressed that it is critical to realize that journalists are essential to help create awareness adding that they generate demand for effective measures to reduce poverty in the country.
Mr. Musauka stated that it is unfortunate that violence against journalists has been going on in the country in the presence of some senior police officers and no action has been taken against the culprits.
He said there is need for an immediate end of violence against journalists because they play a crucial role to the development process of the country adding that DPI will support their plans for a peaceful protest against cadres’ violence on journalists this Friday.
He has since appealed to President Rupiah Banda to protect the constitution of the republic of Zambia which he constitutionally is obliged to protect.
ZANIS
freedom of speech is human rights!
The MMD cadres continued harassment of journalists is not the issue but those on charge of party mobilization are the ones responsible. A country where journalists are surpressed is as good as dead. Their job is to inform, entertain and provide checks and balances. Its on record during the Vietnam War a journalist reported how the USA Air Force was bombing complete villages but it was dismissed as a lie but today the truth has come out. I hope the arrest of Lusaka Province Youth Chairman Chris Chalwe will not end with a police bond but a conviction. We can’t have a few chaps breaking the law with impunity simply coz they are party cadres be it ruling or opposition. The existance and peace of this country is paramount. Parties wil come on the political scene and form govts Zed will be for…