MISA Condemns Violent Attack On Journalist Lovemore Phiri

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has condemned the violent attack on journalist Lovemore Phiri.

The violent act occurred on Friday morning when UPND cadres stormed PASME radio, where Mr Phiri was hosting a live program and attacked him.

 Fr Barnabas Simatende, MISA Zambia Chairperson, has condemned the act saying that the institute was concerned by the violent attack.

He stated, “MISA Zambia condemns the attacks on PASME Radio station in Petauke District of Eastern Province by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) Cadres.”

Further, he said “MISA Zambia is deeply concerned by these acts and calls upon all well-meaning Zambian to condemn them. These acts do not only pose a threat to media freedom and freedom of expression in the country but are a danger to our democracy.”

He also noted that the New Dawn government should punish the subjects, stating that they did not reflect the wishes of UPND voters.

 Fr Simatende also called on a thorough investigation into this case as well as other recent attacks which have taken place against journalists.