Maravi

MLC challenges Kabonde to substantiate ‘fanning violence’ claims

MLC challenges Kabonde to substantiate ‘fanning violence’ claims
By Ernest Chanda
Wed 13 Oct. 2010, 04:50 CAT

THE Media Liaison Committee (MLC) has challenged Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde to prove that the media in the country has been fanning violence in by-elections.

Responding to Kabonde's accusation at a press briefing on Monday that the media were to blame for the violence that rocked most by-elections across the country, MLC spokesperson Amos Chanda urged Kabonde not to blame journalists for reporting facts.

He challenged Kabonde to arrest the MMD cadres whom the police knew had attacked others in the recent Chilanga by-election nominations.

"Mr. Kabonde should not blame journalists for reporting facts as they happen. If there is violence in Solwezi, in Mufumbwe and now Chilanga, journalists have a duty to inform the nation about the situation on the ground.

This does not mean that journalists have caused that violence, nor does it mean that they celebrate," Chanda contended.

"In fact he should prove that journalists fan violence in by-elections. In the recent violence in Chilanga his own men were there and they know that it's MMD cadres who attacked their colleagues in the UPND.

Why is he beating about the bush? He should just be brave and blame the MMD cadres for acts of violence which they are known for. And if he has any proof that some journalists are behind such violence let him arrest and have them prosecuted."

And Chanda has expressed worry about Kabonde's statement that investigations into the violence would be confidential.

He argued that making such a serious thing confidential could undermine the very purpose of the inquiry.

"We appeal to them to try as much as possible to make those investigations and the outcome public. This is because acts of violence are committed on members of the public and they deserve to know," said Chanda.

Addressing the media on Monday, Kabonde charged that the media were to blame for the violence because of the manner in which they reported about by-elections.

Labels: FRANCIS KABONDE, MEDIA LIAISON COMMITTEE (ZIMBABWE), POLITICAL VIOLENCE

posted by MrK @ 3:45 PM