Journalists in Zambia have continued to experience acts of intimidation and Harassment -Misa report

A report compiled by the Media Institute for Southern Africa Misa Zambia chapter has revealed that journalists in Zambia have continued to experience acts of intimidation and harassment from different actors which include political party cadres and the police.
According to the research conducted in the ten province of the country, 34 journalists confirmed to have either been attacked or harassed in the last six months.
Making a presentation on the freedom of expression report, MISA Zambia Lead Consultant researcher Charles Lungu says out of the total number recorded the highest number which is 11 was attributed to political party cadres and senior political party officials.
Mr. Lungu says whilst 7 were attributed to the police and 8 from members of the public.
He says this is unfortunate as it creates a hostile space for journalists to operate in.

Meanwhile speaking at the same event Misa Zambia National Coordinator Austin Kayanda has called on government to repeal and replace laws that are a hindrance to media freedom
Mr. Kayanda says there is need to ensure that media laws are enhanced in order to ensure that they are in line with modern democracy.

And Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga has commended Misa Zambia for its efforts in defending media freedom and freedom of expression.
Mr. Kalungu says government is happy that stakeholders are doing enough to defend the rights of the media.

Meanwhile United States Charge de affairs Sheryl Stumbras has observed that media freedom has improved in the recent months with media outlets that were closed under the previous administration being reopened.