Amnesty International Strongly Condemns Suspension of Prime TV License

Following news that the government have suspended Prime TVs Licence, Amnesty International has condemned the decision and branded it a ‘ploy to muzzle independent media’

The IBA announced Prime’s suspension yesterday and claimed that they were guilty of ‘unprofessional broadcasting’ and had the potential to cause violence and anger in the country. The IBA also suspended licenses for Valley FM.

The Regional Director for Amnesty International Deprose Muchena said the decision undermined the right to freedom of expression and media freedom.

“It is clearly intended to send a chilling message that journalists need to self-censor or face dire consequences. This unlawful suspension must be immediately lifted to allow Prime TV to continue telling the Zambian story as it unfolds. Zambia can only benefit from the plurality of media voices,” stated Muchena in a statement issued by Amnesty International Southern Africa media manager Robert Shivambu.