HH apologizes to two beaten journalists

Hakainde Hichilema during a press briefing in Lusaka

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has unreservedly apologized to the two journalists who were violently harassed by UPND cadres at the party secretariat yesterday.

Radio Phoenix reporter Silumesi Malumo and his Millennium Radio counterpart Prisca Limingu were yesterday beaten and hounded out of UPND Secretariat during a press briefing.

Mr. Hichilema says he does not condone violence against journalists or any other Zambian citizen.

He says he wants to see the media operate free from harassment or any form that may hinder them in the discharge of their duties.

He adds that the party leadership will ensure that journalists in the country are protected from any form of harassment.

Mr. Hichilema has since directed UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka to meet the two reporters and apologize to them on behalf of the party.

Speaking in a separate interview, Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) President Andrew Sakala says political parties must desist from attacking innocent journalists who are simply doing their job as reporters.

Mr. Sakala has also encouraged journalists to be professional and avoid taking political sides in the discharge of their duties.