By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has been urged to stop intimidating media houses through law enforcement agencies.
The President has been accused of promising to address the plight of journalists while he was in opposition but that he was now limiting the media space.
These accusations have been made by leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Brian Mundubile.
Mundubile who is also PF Presidential Candidate said the arrest of Muvi TV Staffer Innocent Phiri recently while covering the arrest of another opposition leader Chilufya Tayali amounted to intimidation of the media.
He was speaking when he toured Daily Nation newspaper in Lusaka on Wednesday this week.
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“In the recent past, we have seen the harassment and detention of journalists by the police, something that we strongly condemn. Especially from the background that the New Dawn Government promised to ensure that the journalists are able to operate freely. An attempt to frustrate the work of journalists should be frowned upon by all.
“We want to take advantage of this platform to call upon His Excellency the President to sound a strong warning to the police, those that may want to frustrate the work of the media, which is the fourth estate,” Mundubile said.
Mundubile emphasised that the media played a special role on a democratic dispensation such as Zambia.
From left to right, Daily Nation newspaper Proprietor Richard Sakala, Brian Mundubile and Daily Nation Chief Reporter Wallen Simwaka
“I feel as politicians, we need to alert you how much we appreciate you. We know that there are a number of challenges that journalists continue to face. In terms of business also with the coming of social media and many other forms of communication.
“Mainstream media has suffered. We have seen media houses like the Daily Nation newspaper being able to stand up and represent the interests of the marginalised. We owe you a duty of care to continuously encourage you that your works are visible,” he said.
And Daily Nation newspaper Proprietor, Richard Sakala said his media house was endangering itself for being considered as anti – government.
Sakala said Daily Nation newspaper was particularly targeted accusing it of being a PF outfit.
“Many times we have taken a position when it comes to national issues such as drugs in hospital which we have been speaking about right from the beginning. We were even cited even in Parliament once in a while for perhaps being alarmists.
“The fertiliser story, we started with it last year when there were less problems in terms of distribution and subsequent acquisition of fertilizer in a rather irregular manner. We are not shy but of course this has consequences. Professionalism must take the day,” he said.
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