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The Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ) has criticized comments made by Mafinga Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament, Robert Chabinga, who threatened to shut down or liquidate any media outlet that provides coverage to Miles Sampa as the president of the Patriotic Front.
Association President, Costa Mwansa, described Chabinga’s threats as troubling and an affront to press freedom in Zambia.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Mwansa emphasized that as a political leader, the Mafinga MP should understand the importance of respecting the independence of the media.
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“Journalists are not party to the infighting within the Patriotic Front. Their responsibility is to accurately inform the public about the happenings in society, in accordance with the editorial policy of respective media houses,” he added.
Mwansa advised that in cases of leadership disputes within a political party, the media was expected to provide a platform to both factions so that citizens can gain a fair understanding of the developments.
“In this regard, we find that resorting to intimidation tactics against the media discredits Chabinga as a leader worthy of running a political party, let alone the affairs of this country,” he pointed out.
Mwansa encouraged all media associations and the government to unequivocally condemn the lawmaker for undermining the principle of press freedom and attempting to instill fear among journalists and media owners.
“Tolerating reckless statements such as the one issued by Mr. Chabinga can set a dangerous precedent of media harassment, even under unwarranted circumstances,” he mentioned.
He advised journalists and media owners not to be intimidated by the threats, urging them to continue their work without fear.
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