MISA Zambia has reminded the Zambia Police Service that the media has a critical role to play in a democracy.
This comes after the arrest of two media practitioners from MUVI TV.
Below is a statement issued by MISA Zambia Chairperson Fr. Dr. Barnabas Simatende, OMI (PhD).
RELEASE MUVI TV JOURNALIST AND CAMERA PERSON
LUSAKA, 14th NOVEMBER, 2022
MISA Zambia is calling for the immediate release of MUVI TV Journalist, Innocent Phiri and his camera person, Obvious Kapunda who remain detained at Lesoleil Community Police Station in Roma Township in Lusaka.
The two were detained on Sunday, 13th November 2022 at around 21:00hrs when they went to cover a Police raid at Chilufya Tayali’s residence in Roma area.
MISA Zambia earlier today visited Mr. Phiri and his camera person to offer solidarity and has called on stakeholders for support and not to relent until justice prevails.
MISA could not get full details of their arrest but were informed that police will issue a report later.
We would like to appeal to the Zambia Police Service to expedite the process and release Mr. Phiri and his camera person.
Further, MISA Zambia wishes to remind the Zambia Police Service that the media has a critical role to play in a democracy and detaining a journalist equates to infringing on peoples’ right to access information. Further, journalistic work should not be stifled through detention of journalists who are conducting their duties in a professional manner that allows the nation to be informed on events happening within the Country.
Issued by
MISA Zambia
Fr. Dr. Barnabas Simatende, OMI (PhD)
Chairperson
