Thu, 20 Jul 2017 08:19:18 +0000
By SIMON MUNTEMBA
IGNORE the rantings of disgruntled individuals who are propagating lies that Government wants to clamp down some media houses in Zambia, Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu has said.
Speaking during the Patriotic Front interactive meeting at Chrismar Hotel, Mr. Zulu said reports that Government wants to clampdown some media houses are not true but just propaganda by some disgruntled individuals who are intending to pursue personal agendaS.
The Minister said reports circulating from some of the media that invocation of Article 31 is meant to victimize the opposition and clampdown some critical media house were false.
Mr. Zulu said the government had no intention of closing down any media that is operating in line with the provisions of the law. He said that the invocation of Article 31 was not meant to infringe on the rights of the media and indeed any law abiding citizen, but to defend democracy, peace and security in the country.
“It is specifically there to deal with those perpetrating acts of sabotage and lawlessness.”
“So ignore those people that are propagating the misunderstanding just to pursue their agenda. The Opposition and critical media will not be victimized,” he said.
Mr. Zulu however, explained that chapter 112 of the laws of Zambia stipulates what the media ought to and not to publish.
He said during the three-month when proclamation of Article 31 will be in effect, the media will not be allowed to publish information that could jeopardize investigations on the suspected arsonists and publications that could cause alarm.
The Minister said, unlike Article 30 which is used in extreme cases where the peace of the state is under extreme threat, Article 31 is put in effect to preserve peace.
