The raid, search, arrest and consequent detention of the two journalists by the joint investigative wing of government without a clear charge is a serious affront to the rule of law and a symptom of the growing democratic deficits in Zambia.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) demands for the immediate release of the two scribes, Thomas Zyambo and Clayson Hamasaka unconditionally. Whatever wrongs they may have committed, detaining them without a charge is inhuman and a violation of their human rights and the country’s statutes.
We wish to urge the joint investigation team to carry out their work professionally and within the provisions of the laws of the land.
Further, FODEP continues to be alarmed at the hypersensitiveness of the PF administration towards its citizens to an extent that constitutional freedom such as assembly, expression etc are being gagged by the very institutions that are supposed to sustain and promote them.
[pullquote]In this vein, it should be also acknowledged that the rumourmongering in the media is largely as a result of government’s failure to enact the access to information (ATI) laws despite repeated assurances that the bill will be tabled before parliament.[/pullquote]
If indeed reports of these two journalists being detained are on “special instructions” from the higher authorities, FODEP would like to express its greatest disappointment and remind the PF government that it was elected on its promise to respect and protect the human dignity of all Zambians and uphold their human rights.
The earlier the government realises that it is there to safeguard citizens’ rights regardless of their political affiliations the better for the furtherance of Zambia’s democratic consolidation agenda.
In this vein, it should be also acknowledged that the rumourmongering in the media is largely as a result of government’s failure to enact the access to information (ATI) laws despite repeated assurances that the bill will be tabled before parliament.
Journalists have no option but to use speculations in the absence correct information. There can be no democracy and a free society without information
Signed:
McDonald Chipenzi
Executive Director
its a foul by govt to arrest them and an unjustifiable move…
Chipenzi ,u are not the right person to say that. lf it were your’wiso or anyoko’ insulted and scandalized the way zwd do how would u feel?Why should those id iots hide in journalism? U are one of Zambian hypocrites.
This is what happens when allow individuals to settle personal scores using state machinery. The president must have sold his independence, rights and soul to meembe and nchito. I genuinely feel sorry for him wee. He has not enjoyed ruling at all. God will surely punish meembe and the others for mismanaging my old man Mr data.
MISA, FODEP and other organisations should also look at the quality of reporting by some media houses, it is below par.