FPI slams harassment of journalists at Solwezi court

By MUBITA KATETE THE Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) has condemned the reported harassment and obstruction of journalists covering court proceedings involving opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu at the Solwezi High Court. FPI founder Joan Chirwa said the alleged conduct by police and correctional services officers was unacceptable, warning that intimidation of journalists undermined press freedom and the public's right to information. In a press statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Chirwa said FPI had reviewed a video circulating online showing officers leading journalists away from the court premises. She said journalists should be allowed to perform their professional duties without intimidation, particularly when covering matters of significant public interest such as court proceedings. "FPI strongly condemns such intimidation, harassment or unnecessary obstruction of journalists in the lawful execution of their professional duties," Ms Chirwa said. She noted the responsibility of law enforcement officers to maintain security and order within court premises but said such duties should not undermine press freedom. Ms Chirwa said any restrictions on media access to court proceedings should be lawful, necessary, proportionate and consistently applied rather than arbitrarily imposed. "Court proceedings are matters of public interest, and journalists must be allowed to report on them freely and safely, subject to reasonable and clearly communicated court rules and security arrangements," she said. FPI has since called on the Zambia Police Service, Zambia Correctional Service and relevant judicial authorities to investigate the reported harassment and obstruction of journalists in Solwezi. The organisation also urged the authorities to establish clear guidelines on media access to court premises and ensure that security arrangements did not unnecessarily interfere with legitimate journalistic work. Ms Chirwa reminded law enforcement officers that journalists were not adversaries in the administration of justice, but played an important role in promoting transparency and public understanding of judicial processes. "A free press must be able to report on the administration of justice without fear or intimidation. Protecting journalists is not a favour; it is an essential part of protecting the public's right to know," she said.

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