Maravi

Mukuma warns against giving journalists too much power

Mukuma warns against giving journalists too much power
Written by Katwishi Bwalya
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 4:27:50 AM

LANDS minister Ronald Mukuma has cautioned members of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC)’s Human Rights Committee against giving a lot of powers to journalists.

During the ongoing sittings in Lusaka yesterday, Mukuma feared that people's rights would be infringed if journalists were given too many powers.

"These powers you are giving them will infringe on other people's rights.
Once we give these people [journalists] too much powers, we should look at what freedom will do to other people's integrity," he said.

Mukuma was supported by Clementine Chipeta who accused some media organisations of writing things that were not normal.

This was when the committee was debating clause 57 (4) c of the draft constitution that restricts a person, state organ or state institution from harassing or penalising a person for any opinion or view or the content of any publication, broadcast or dissemination.

"Some media organisations are confusing people with what they are writing. They are writing things which are not normal," said Chipeta.

And political activist Dante Saunders submitted that the clause should be maintained to protect reporters from suppression.

Saunders was supported by Itezhi-tezhi member of parliament Godfrey Beene who argued that the clause should be retained to protect journalists from further harassment.

"This clause will protect reporters who have been harassed and I think it will protect them from further harassmen,” said Beene.

And Bangweulu Patriotic Front (PF) member of parliament Joseph Kasongo submitted that there was need to compel journalists to disclose the source of their information.

This was during debates of clause 58 (1) which allows a journalists not to be compelled to disclose the source of information, except as may be determined by a court.

"There is no freedom that is absolute," said Kasongo. "There should be checks and balances put in place to ensure these rights are not misused."

But Lusaka lawyer Dr Patrick Matibini cautioned members on the dangers that might arise if journalists were compelled to disclose the source of their information.

"They [journalists] are in the business of conveying information. But the danger of disclosing their sources is that similar sources will be reluctant to give information in future. This clause will encourage whistle blowers and donít just look at journalists but any other persons. People should be able to give information without fear," said Dr Matibini.

And the committee was yesterday reluctant to include the establishment of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) in the draft constitution.

This was after commissioner Nyambe Muyumbana proposed the inclusion of the establishment of the IBA to restrict government interference in the issuance of broadcasting licences.

But another committee member Rose Salukatula said there was no way the government could completely be removed from the operation of the media.

Labels: CONSTITUTION, NCC, RONALD MUKUMA

posted by MrK @ 4:28 AM