LAZ condemns attacks on media

The Law Association of Zambia has strongly condemned recent attack on media freedom in the country.

LAZ President George Chisanga in a statement made available to QFM News says the recent attacks on Breeze FM following its featuring of opposition political leaders airing dissenting political views and the physical attacks on journalists from some private media perceived to be critical of government have no place in the country’s plural democracy.

He adds that the recent raids on the Post Newspaper by the Zambia Revenue Authority purportedly to investigate suspicions of tax evasion were clearly unwarranted and disproportionate.

George Chisanga

Mr Chisanga says such conduct by a government agency fuels the already existing perception that the government is using such agencies to harass and silence the independent media.

He adds that the conduct of the ZRA is also an affront to the rule of law considering that the matter between ZRA and the Post newspaper is before the courts of law.

Mr. Chisanga states that the attacks on journalists and other media houses is a demonstration of the fact that rights and freedoms are under serious threat, particularly in the run up to the 2016 general elections.

He stresses that the attacks are evidence that there is very little government commitment to freedom of information,democracy and human rights.

Mr. Chisanga has since called on the new Inspector General of Police to demonstrate his resolve to ensure that the police start working to protect citizens.