By NATION REPORTER
MISA Zambia has condemned the Zambia Police for harassing journalists who were yesterday covering the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) press briefing in Kitwe.
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MISA Zambia Chairperson Lorraine Chisanga information was to the effect that armed Police officers stormed the venue of Kasonde Mwenda’s media interaction venue and harassed the journalists who were covering the press briefing by forcing them to delete the pictures and videos they had taken.
Ms Chisanga stated that it was disheartening that the police had continued to harass journalists and confiscating their their gadgets such phones and cameras.
Armed police stormed the venue of Mr Mwenda’s press conference and declared it illegal because according to them, the organisers should have sought a permit before holding a media briefing.
But Ms. Chisanga said the action by the police was uncalled-for act as a gathering such as a media briefing did not require police permit.
He said intimidating and hindering freedom of speech was an affront to the freedom of the press which was a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation.
Ms. Chisanga said MISA Zambia Contacted the police and spokesperson Rea Hamoonga said all gargets that were confiscated were given back to the journalists after the screening,
She has urged the Police to desist from carrying out acts of censorship and intimidation against the media.
Ms. Chisanga said the Police are supposed to uphold human rights including freedom of expression, especially that it is enshrined in the Constitution.
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