Solwezi press club has joined the rest of stakeholders in condemning to the strongest terms the attack of innocent people including pressmen by suspected PF cadres at the Bible Gospel Outreach Church in Lusaka’s Matero township last Friday.The club expressed worry that the media practitioners are now living in fear as these political thugs might go to the extent of attacking them and their families in their respective homes.The club observed that it is saddening to attack innocent journalists who were merely executing their duty diligently so that the people in the country are well informed of the happenings.
Meanwhile The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has condemned last Friday’s attack on the church during a Black Friday procession to protest the Patriotic Front’s poor governance record and removal of subsidies on maize and fuel calling on government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a press statement released to the media The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) vehemently condemned last Friday’s attack on the church, media and civil society by suspected politically influenced group of militias. The JCTR said the attack is a clear affront on freedom of expression, association and assembly all of which are a hallmark of a democratic society.
“We condemn the attack on the church, media and civil society and demand that the police expeditiously bring the culprits to book”, says JCTR Faith and Justice Programme Manager, Brian Banda.
[pullquote]The attack is a clear affront on freedom of expression, association and assembly all of which are a hallmark of a democratic society.[/pullquote]
In a free, democratic and Christian nation, people have the right to assemble and express their views on issues that touch their lives.
On Friday, the Church, media, civil society and other Zambians of good will met with the sole intention of praying, sharing, and informing the public about the issues that are currently adversely affecting the people of Zambia, especially the poor. The people at the prayer meeting deserved support, protection and security and not barbaric treatment from some non-law abiding citizens. Where the rich and powerful take advantage of the poor the church has and will always speak on behalf of the poor because God has a great passion for the poor and marginalized of our society and anyone who oppresses the poor and weak shows contempt to God their maker (Ps147:7-9), said Mr. Banda.
We urge the government, through the ministry of Home Affairs, to ensure that security and protection is given to all Zambians regardless of political affiliation or dissenting views. Dissent is expected in a democracy and so no Zambian should be intimidated to say what is contrary to government policy. Unless the ministry of home affairs protects the people of Zambia, especially those who hold divergent views, Zambia will certainly turn into a lawless nation. We denounce any form of lawlessness because that is inhuman, un-Zambian and undemocratic.
As JCTR, we want to promote a society where human dignity, which is the bedrock of human rights and democracy, is respected, promoted and protected especially by the state and every Zambian. Neither violence nor intolerance promotes human dignity or democracy. We encourage dialogue and peaceful demonstrations among stakeholders and all Zambians of good will as a way of engaging on issues of national policy and good governance. Where human rights are violated, we want to see Justice prevail. Therefore, we call upon the government, through the police, to bring the perpetrators of last week’s violence to justice now.
How else can this matter be addressed kanshi? its like PF and its Govt are not willing to discipline their cadres…as long as u are a pf cadre u are immune to all sorts of nonsense you can ever think of..Which direction are we heading to and why is it that pf and the police are all comfortable with the violence and lack of tolerance for divergent views??
Useless condemnations without action, benefit no one!
PF are just a pack of criminals from the bottom to the top dog!
Only problem is that the were ululating upon reception of money from Miles Sampa. jctr and others, you thus seem to be weeping louder than the owners of the funeral!
meant, the Church was ululating
Thanks to PF cardres for sorting this znbc unprofessional journalists, i guess they will learn to be professionals now, one fun thing is that they are still protecting PF carders in their reporting, look at this line,,,, some youths beat up znbc journalists ……………………………. useful *****s indeed.
With PF in government we are really going backwards in our democracy.We shouldn’t give them a second term. I was PF suporter but with all this violence am nolonger PF suporter.Wu savage wachila.
Sometimes Zambians confuse the ‘christian nation’ with being christians. You can be a christian nation without practising christians; this is not about the government, rather it is all to do with who Zambians are – primitive!
Speculations are running high to the effect that the PF is recruiting recently released hard core criminals from Prisons to consolidate its Militia Force to intimidate selected pro-democracy NGOs, Institutions, Churches, Jounalists and prominent individuals. Instilling FEAR to the Nation has become the mode of governance by the PF Govt. No one will be allowed to criticised them on their war-path to misappropriate public and tax payers money.