The Human Rights Commission has called on law enforcement officers to offer full protection to journalists when carrying out their duties.
Commission Chairperson Pixie Yangailo’s remarks follow the recent physical and verbal harassment of journalists by suspected relatives and sympathisers of Former Labour Minister Austin Liato at the Lusaka Magistrates Court.
Ms Yangailo told ZNBC news in a statement on Saturday that the Human Rights Commission is deeply saddened that the attacks on defenceless journalists happened within the court premises where people should have the full protection of the law.
She explained that the physical and verbal harassment of journalists is a threat to freedom of the media, which should not be unreasonably interfered with.
Ms Yangailo says the attacks also threaten the right of every citizen to be informed.
She says this can only be realised when journalists are free to carry out their duty of informing the public.
On Thursday, suspected relatives and sympathisers of Mr. Liato beat up journalists who had gone to cover the former Minister’s two point one billion kwacha case.
[ZNBC]
Who will protect individuals who are not covered or abused by the Press but has no money  for a lawyer?
We are still savages…its not on people
Sometimes these journalists deserve the treatment they get.
The picture seems to say: Nankwe nankwe, ni nani uwamupele insambu isha kunkopa? The line between freedom of the press and privacy.
Uhhhh!! what can you say? first understand Zambian laws
In certain countries, John just needed to get this photograph and take it to court.
Kopko`s sister would have been coming out of jail. We need to change things!
In certain countries, John just needed to get this photograph and take it to court.
Kopoko`s sister would have only been coming out of jail. We need to change things!
Kakakeni aka Liule ako