Media freedom and freedom of expression online should not be suppressed with government’s planned cyber laws enactment in the current sitting of Parliament.
The State of the Media in Zambia (1st Quarter) 2018 launched today 20th June, 2018 states that following the increase in the number of internet users in the country, the social media has become a channel for critical expression and criticism for government officials.
Among the laws government intends to put in place are cyber security and cyber crime bill, the e-transaction and e-commerce bill and the data protection bill.
Media personnel have continued being harassed by political party cadres and cases in point are where Brian Mwale (ZNBC) reporter was barred from covering Chishimba Kambwili press briefing and Marylin Rose of The Mast newspaper received verbal attacks for reporting the President Edgar Lungu’s ‘ubomba mwibala’ remark.
For the full report: State of the Media in Zambia Q1 2018
