Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) says any threats by government to withdraw a license of a radio station on account of its political inclinations are a violation of constitutional freedoms.
LAZ is of the view that Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Chishimba Kambwili’s recent threat to withdraw a named radio station’s license on suspicions that it is allegedly being influenced by opposition UPND President Hakainde Hichilema amounted to violation of the radio station’s freedoms of expression and media freedoms which are guaranteed in the Zambian constitution.
George Chisanga
LAZ President George Chisanga says Mr. Kambwili’s threats therefore have no place in a multiparty democracy where freedoms of exchange of ideas are recognized, promoted and protected.
Mr. Chisanga has told Qfm News in a statement that this is especially when such threats come from government officials that are on oath to uphold the Zambian constitution.
He has warned that if divergent views and opinions cannot be respected and tolerated, the country risks of being transformed in an autocratic state where the rule of law and respect for human rights will constantly be under threat.
Mr. Chisanga has thus called upon Mr. Kambwili to respect and protect the freedoms of expression and association by retracting his threats to the named radio station.
He has asked Mr. Kambwili to further apologize to the nation for issuing the unfortunate threats.
Mr. Chisanga states that LAZ will always rise to the defense of the rule of law and human rights as contemplated by the Zambian constitution.