Maravi

State House’s silence on MMD cadres shocks PFC

State House’s silence on MMD cadres shocks PFC
Written by Masuzyo Chakwe
Friday, May 15, 2009 2:20:29 PM

THE Press Freedom Committee (PFC) of The Post has expressed shock over State House's silence over the MMD cadres' arrogance in their quest to silence and intimidate the media.

And NGOCC executive director Engwase Mwale has called on President Rupiah Banda to immediately address the problem of harassment by MMD cadres before it degenerates into serious conflict.

In a statement, the committee noted that government was silent despite Post newspaper managing editor Amos Malupenga's petition to President Banda over the MMD cadres' continued threats and harassment of journalists.

"We have noted with grave concern the continued attacks, threats and harassment of media personnel, particularly those working for The Post newspapers. It is extremely saddening that the links between MMD and the perpetrators of these violent acts indicate the acceptance, and possible complicity, of the ruling party in the violence. More so that the law enforcement agencies have allowed the MMD cadres to perform their illegal acts with impunity," the committee stated.

The PFC condemned in the strongest terms the MMD cadres in Solwezi who on Monday beat up Post vendor Deavan Mwanamwale and tore copies of the newspaper for what they termed as insulting headline on President Banda.

The committee stated that this barbaric act was unacceptable and called on every peace-loving Zambian to condemn the cadres.

The PFC stated that it was very clear that the authorities had failed in their duty to prevent, punish and redress the harm caused by MMD cadres' threats, attacks and harassment.

The committee stated that the ugly scenes of MMD cadres attacking and harassing innocent media personnel had continued unpunished.

"We wish to remind perpetrators of these violence, attacks and harassment that their actions are having a chilling effect on press freedom. The violation of journalists' rights is a direct infringement of the public right to information. These attacks on freedom of expression and the state's failure to address them, affects not only democracy, but also the enjoyment of other human rights for which the state is responsible," the committee stated.

The PFC stated that the MMD cadres' actions were a serious threat to free and open debate, which were critical for the country's continued peace and nurturing of its young democracy.

The committee stated that the public could not exercise its full freedom of expression where impunity prevails and law enforcement agencies were ineffective and unwilling to tackle aggressions against journalists.

"We demand that all acts of violence against journalists and the media end immediately. We ask the police to immediately pursue the MMD cadres for their illegal actions and bring them to book. We further demand for justice to prevail," stated the committee.

And Mwale said it was totally unacceptable for the MMD cadres to take the law in their hands by championing the total disregard of people's rights through their harassment of people.

She expressed concern and disappointment over the blatant infringement of ordinary citizens' rights normally with the full knowledge of the police and government leaders.

Mwale said the law must indeed take its course and bring these perpetrators to book.

She said the peacefulness and indeed the resilience that was exhibited by most ordinary Zambians must not be taken for granted especially in a situation where police refuse to grant permits for peaceful protests.

"Recently NGOCC witnessed a situation where police refused to grant a permit for a peaceful protest march by a coalition of NGOs to register our displeasure on the case of a young school girl that had been sexually abused by her school teacher. Of late we have further witnessed various physical and emotional abuses of journalists and ordinary citizens by MMD cadres for no apparent reason. What is wrong with ordinary citizens exercising their constitutional rights to take part in peaceful expression of their feelings when women and children are being raped and abused in all forms, or when journalists answer to their call of duty to inform the public on national events?" she asked.

Mwale said the MMD, as the ruling party in government must not be allowed to take democracy in their hands and arbitrarily so.

Since the beginning of this year, MMD cadres have waged a physical war on Post reporters. Post photographer Thomas Nsama has twice been physically attacked this year in his bid to cover President Banda.

Copperbelt Post reporters Mutuna Chanda and Abigail Chaponda have also suffered the wrath of MMD cadres.

A fortnight ago, Post journalist George Chellah and photographer Eddie Mwanaleza were physically harassed and chased at Lusaka City Airport where they had gone to cover President Banda's return from a state visit to Zimbabwe.

Labels: CADRES, ENGWASE MWALE, NGOCC, PFC, PRESS, STATE HOUSE

posted by MrK @ 1:22 PM