GOVT WARNS AGAINST ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS

Government says it will not tolerate any violence against journalists and has urged the Zambia police to expedite the case involving ZANIS staffer Victor Mwila allegedly attacked by suspected United Party for National Development ( UPND), recently. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga says police should fully investigate the case and bring culprits to book so that it serves as warning to would be offenders as the country heads to the polls this Thursday, 12vAugust. Mr  Malupenga stresses the importance of providing journalists a safe space as they carry out their duties, especially during and after the elections ahead of results’ release. “Journalists will require special attention because of the role they play and will become more vulnerable not only in the last two days but the days that will follow when election results start coming out.  “ So, we want journalists to have the necessary space to exercise their duty responsibly without fear or favor” he said. The Permanent Secretary said this during the handover of a Canon Camera, Mobile phone and ZMW3,000.00 Cash to Ikelenge District Information Officer Victor Mwila, who was  recently attacked by suspected United Party for National Development ( UPND ) cadres in Ikelenge on 23rd July, 2021. Regretting the ordeal that Mr. Mwila  underwent,  Mr Malupenga said government is committed to freedom of expression and of the media, which he said can only be exhibited fully if journalists are given the necessary protection and guaranteed by the politicians and not the police.  “ Government is alive to the fact that there will be violence on the cyber space, especially when election results will be announced and has strongly warned against violence in the cyber space as government will not hesitate to invoke the law against such offenders, “ he said. He has urged citizens to use the internet and other social media platforms responsibly bearing in mind all the laws that exist to guide on the use of the internet. And Mr. Malupenga discloses that government has spent close to K 60,000 to replace lost camera and phone and the cash belonging to Mr Mwila. He has however thanked Mr. Mwila for being courageous in performing his duties and has encouraged him to continue working courageously without fear and assured him of government’s support. And Speaking at the same ceremony, Mr. Mwila expressed gratitude to government for the help and support rendered to him from the time he suffered the ordeal. He has also appealed to political parties’ cadres  to understand that journalists play a critical role in informing the citizens on the happenings in the country to help them make informed decisions.  “We appeal to members of political parties to understand that no matter where they are, we are there committed to the truth as our obligation as well as our loyalty which lies with the citizens. What we seek is to provide the news and information that helps citizens to be self-governing” he said.  Suspected UPND cadres last Friday attacked a lot of innocent people in the central business district, including Zanis Reporter Victor Mwila who was on duty, leaving him with head injuries. Consequently, the Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ ) suspended the UPND from any form of campaigns in Ikelenge District of North Western Province because of violence being perpetrated by its supporters. The Commission has also suspended Sioma Independent parliamentary Candidate Albert Amukena Mundia from any campaigns. ECZ Acting Chief Electoral Officer Royd Katongo said this follows the escalating political violence in selected parts of the country. –  ZANIS