Maravi

Mulongoti's threats come under condemnation

Mulongoti's threats come under condemnation
By Maluba Jere
Wednesday October 01, 2008 [04:00]

MULONGOTI'S threats on The Post are a direct violation of freedom of expression, Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) executive director Lee Habasonda has said.

And Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka condemned Mulongoti's threats, saying it is unfortunate that such threats were coming from an information minister.

Commenting on information minister Mike Mulongoti's threat to sort out The Post after the presidential elections, Habasonda said it was dangerous for a minister to threaten an institution he presides over.

"We believe that he has everything at his disposal to discuss his concerns if he is not happy about an issue rather than threaten to sort out people," Habasonda said. "What happens if the person he is supporting does not win the election? It is important for people especially leaders to reflect on what they say."

Habasonda said Mulongoti's utterances were an embarrassment to the international community because he was infringing on the rights of journalists to freely express themselves.

"We want to believe that the right of information for both the media and leaders must be exercised," Habasonda said. "We are concerned that the relationship is being that of threats. He must dialogue other than issue threats. We think that he is violating the right to freedom of expression because journalists are merely carrying out their mandate."
And Lifuka said Mulongoti's statement proved that his talks about being committed to freedom of information were superficial.

"As information minister he has a role to foster accountability not issuing threats," Lifuka said. "Just like we condemned Chitala Former Zambian ambassador to Libya, we condemn Mulongoti because he knows that the media has the right to continue playing its role. If he has a problem with The Post he should not use his position to sort them out but rather he should take it to the courts of law. The onus is on him to use the courts of law than issue a blanket statement such as this one. Imagine a situation where the PF Patriotic Front or UPND United Party for national Development is threatening the Daily Mail or Times of Zambia."

Lifuka added that Mulongoti's utterances could affect people's perception of the party in power.

During a rally at Solwezi showgrounds on Monday, Mulongoti, in apparent reference to The Post, said after the MMD wins the presidential election on October 30, they would ask the Vice President to go out for a while so that on his return, Vice President Banda would find all the problems sorted out.

Labels: MIKE MULONGOTI, THE POST, TIZ

posted by MrK @ 4:11 AM