MISA Calls Out Censorship

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has expressed concern regarding media censorship in Zambia following two incidents that took place last week.

In the first instance, Mpika District Commissioner (DCs), Mr. Moses Katebe objected to a radio programme which Mpika FM wanted to air featuring the UPND President, Hakainde Hichilema on May 13th.

“Due to his directive, the station was scared to air the programme and this amounts to censorship. We are saddened that the DC who is supposed to uphold the law on freedom of expression and the right of citizens to access information; which is key to citizens’ participation in democratic processes is in the forefront denying citizens these key freedoms,” MISA Chair Hellen Mwale stated.

In the second incident, alleged Patriotic Front (PF) cadres invaded Muchinga Radio station in Chinsali on May 15th to shut down a radio programme which was featuring United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema via telephonic means.

“We wish to remind the PF that they came to power because the people of Zambia heard their messages through the media and people of Zambia made a choice to elect them and therefore should not hold them ransom by denying them information and gagging the media,” Mwale stated.

“Current happenings in which media freedom and the right to information is denied is not just unconstitutional but is a disservice to democracy. Acts of media censorship must henceforth be a thing of the past,” she continued.

MISA has urged parties to campaign by marketing their manifesto and not engaging in acts of intimidation and censorship against the media. The organization has also called on the PF in the province to put its house in order and educate cadres on the importance of the media and freedom of expression.

Mwale thanked the police for responding to the call of Muchinga Radio and expressed hope that the culprits would be found.

MISA has urged other journalists and the media to always report such incidents.