By 
The Bloggers of Zambia has advised Times of Zambia Photo Journalist, Henry Chunza, not to settle out of court in the assault case involving Chiengi Member of Parliament (MP) Given Katuta.
Organization Chief Executive Officer, Richard Mulonga, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday said the case was a matter of public interest.
Mulonga said Chunza, together with management of Times of Zambia newspaper, should not opt for monetary payment in preference for out of court settlement as this would not deter future assailants.
He said Katuta’s physical attack on an unarmed and defenceless journalist was not only a shame, but is a criminal attack on press freedom and an affront to the broader democracy.
“We congratulate the Zambia Police Service for acting swiftly and arresting the MP and in view of this, take note of our interest in the matter,” Mulonga said.
He urged all Journalists and media bodies to stand in solidarity in addition to participating in trial monitoring for transparency and accountability purposes.
Mulonga said the Chiengi MP had exhibited unpalatable and disgraceful behaviour that does not befit the standards and decorum of a lawmaker.
“Members of Parliament as legislators are expected to be makers of laws and policies that promote media development but the MP has an appetite for perpetrating a culture of lawlessness, violence and attacking press freedom,” he said.
Read More:Katuta, lawmaker for Chiengi, detained by police for assaulting journalist
Mulonga was confident in the Zambia Police Service and the judicial system that Katuta would receive a fair trial and that she would be made accountable for the unwarranted attacks on Zambia’s democracy.
“We would like to remind Zambians that all citizens are equal before the law and that individuals who attack journalists must be made accountable for their actions and as such,” he said.
Mulonga said Given Katuta’s successful prosecution should serve as a deterrent to would be offenders, including other MPs who assisted in assaulting Mr. Chunza within the grounds of the National Assembly of Zambia.
He encouraged all media bodies and other interested stakeholders to join the campaign for a free press and prioritizing the safety and protection of journalists realising that journalism was the cornerstone of democracy.
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