MISA is saddened by the continued threats to the freedom of expression and of the press by state institutions which are expected to act independently and in the public’s interest.
This follows the latest development in which Prime TV proprietor, Gerald Shawa and the station’s head of news, Makokwa Kozi, were warned and cautioned by Police for what are in our view vexatious offences aimed at intimidating the duo.
It is worrying that there is a clampdown on media freedoms and freedom of expression given the recent chain of events involving Komboni Radio, Muvi TV and Radio Itezhi Tezhi in what amounts to de facto censorship of the press.
We believe media practitioners must be held accountable for their actions if in conflict with the law but this must be done in a fair manner without any political interference and threat to the freedom of expression as has been observed over the past few months.
The Police must not allow themselves to be used to settle petty political differences through arbitrary and unsubstantiated application of the law which already bears many unreasonable restrictions on the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms in Zambia.
We wish to call on all well-meaning Zambians to rise to the occasion and condemn the deteriorating human rights situation in the country as it is every citizen’s duty to defend, uphold and protect the constitution of Zambia as provided in Article 2 of the same constitution.
MISA will be on hand to offer legal support to the affected Prime TV duo if arrested to ensure justice is served while the institution has also issued an alert to embassies, international partners and human rights agencies over the deteriorating situation in Zambia and increasing threats to democratic governance.
It is therefore not surprising that various reputable international agencies such as the Freedom House, among many others continue to rate Zambia as ‘not free’ with regard to protection of the freedoms of expression and media freedom.
We therefore call on the President, His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu to immediately stop this continued clampdown on various freedoms by state institutions as he swore to uphold and protect the constitution of Zambia.
We also call on the international community include the need for the state to clearly uphold fundamental freedoms among the conditions for offering any financial aid package to Zambia as this will help to ensure democratic governance, transparency and accountability.
Hellen Mwale
Chairperson,
MISA Zambia
Talking to ECL is like talking to a brick wall. He only responds when you play “Dununa Reverse”.
The problem is you guys are toothless…..why not compile or broadcasting to black out the nation so tht it sinks in this long man together with his neckless minister . be proactive
GOD FORGIVE US …..
LET US TREAT EACH OTHER WITH LOVE…..GOD LOVE US…..
MAY WE PRAY FOR OUR SALVATION……..
PRAYER IS NOT THE ANSWER BUT WE MUST ACT IN A NON VIOLENT WAY TO SHOW OUR DISPLEASURE OF THE ONE PARTY STATE SEEPING IN LIKE CLAY.
THE BEST MEDICINE IS THESE KIND OF CASES IS MENTAL TORTURE. IGNORE,IGNORE,IGNORE MR. HH AND MR. MWAMBA. DOESN’T ZAMBIA HAVE PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVISERS WORKING WITH THE PRESIDENT?. YOU ARE GIVING THESE TWO MEN POPULARITY AND HELPING THEM MAKE YOU MR.PRESIDENT A DICTATOR. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT,YOU WILL BE MISERABLE,FRUSTRATED AND BITTER AS THEY ARE. THE KEYS TO THE GATE OF THE LAND ARE IN YOUR HANDS.WHY SHOULD YOU LOSE SLEEP OVER THESE TWO AND THEIR FOLLOWERS? A WIFE IN A HOME HOLDS THE KEYS TO A MARRIAGE AND OCCUPIES THE SPACE IN HER HUSBAND’S HEART. SO WHY BE SO BOTHERED AND INSECURE ABOUT A WANNA BE WIFE(GIRLFRIEND) JUST CONTINUE LOVING WHAT YOU DO AND STAY FOCUSED. THESE ARE WHAT YOU CALL TEMPTATIONS.
Lungu is guilty. He knows he stole the election.
Why else do you think a winner can be so bothered about the losers ? The man is so guilty that he sees HH and GBM shadows every where.
If he could ban all citizens of ever thinking of HH and GBM he would.
The guilty are always are afraid and always look for ways to hide their sins, but how long in this life.
The majority voted for Lungu and this is what they wanted….! No one institution faught to have Lungu kicked out – FUEL GOES UP AT MID-NIGHT. Only the rich can live a comfortable life…!
Zambia VOTED August 11 and many today are saying accept Lungu as your president even without human rights – ACCESS DUNUNA REVERSE
she got me going for a while until she appealed for aid from the international community,these orhanizations are the worst only interested in aid which they never use for the cause but fatten themselves,i believe her speech is in order but her fangs are drooling for that green money.
Please differentiate human rights from criminality. Government has got a responsibility to maintain order. Why is the founder of wikileaks hiding if irresponsible reporting is allowed in US. The West will tell what to, but themselves don’t allow such things. The Catholic Radio precipitated the civil war in Rwanda and we don’t want such to happen here.