Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda has said that citizens have a constitutional right to information and the media should be allowed to carry out their role in a free and safe environment.
Ms. Kasanda however says the media has a role to play in promoting a safe working environment by adhering to high ethical and professional standards in their work.
Speaking during the official opening of the Joint Lusaka Province Police Media Dialogue Forum, Ms. Kasanda also urged the public to be responsible in the use of online platforms to avoid conflict with the law.
She said the cyber security and cyber crimes Act is already in place with the aim of ensuring sanity in the use of cyberspace.
Ms. Kasanda further urged the media to play its role in promoting peace in the country by the manner they package and disseminate information to the public.
She said the use of hate speech and another divisive language must never be condoned.
Ms. Kasanda further said when police are professional they will have no cause to harass journalists who film or take photographs of their actions.
And Germany Ambassador to Zambia Anne Wagner Mitchell said everyone should prioritize the protection of freedom of the press to effectively contribute to democracy.
Speaking during the Dialogue Forum, Zambia Police Divisional Legal Advisor, Chilufya Wanchinga said the police will work with the media to provide protection and security so that the dangers are minimized.
Meanwhile, Bloggers of Zambia Board Chairperson Daniel Sikazwe called for strengthened relations between the police and the media for democracy to thrive.
This is a veiled threat to our freedoms. You used the same methods to discredit the previous Government.
Yaba, why can’t the people responsible for writing her speeches learn? There is always a threat whenever she issues a statement.
Citing the Cyber Security and Crimes Act which her party was against and most Human Rights activists are still against as a law to curtail freedom of expression is lunacy.
‘Be responsible, avoid conflicts with the law’.
What is that if not a threat?
Bloggers of Zambia?? Please kids, go get jobs as teachers, hoo ya trained teachers are unemployed too.
This woman is a disaster waiting to happen I am afraid…
So here is how simplified it can get: Ethical standards will align with the journalistic Code of Ethics. Legally nothing stops journalists from performing their duties; there is also nothing barring them to access of a place or event unless it is legally so. Professionally? Well, journalists are licensed … if they are there is liability that will accrue according to their journalistic ethos. What else? There will be no space for a threatening government if these things are observed. I will comment on investigative journalists a little later. Awe mwe
Stop talking to much. I miss the old you who used to party with me and used her mouth in better ways. Mmmh if you know you know
The PF tribal party of tribal supremacists clique supporters have been having a field day with peddling misinformation and lies……..
Yet this is the first time I have heard this woman………….
I am afraid HEHH has it very wrong on this appointment and will come to regret it……
You need someone more vocal and forcefull………..