Ministry of information and broadcasting services Amos Malupenga says government will not tolerate any violence against journalists.
The permanent secretary said this during the handover of a Canon Camera, Mobile phone worth K60 000 and 3,000.00 cash to Ikelenge district information officer Victor Mwila, who was recently attacked by suspected United Party for National Development ( UPND ) cadres in Ikelenge last month.
Malupenga urged police to expedite Mwila’s case.
“Journalists will require special attention because of the role they play and will become more vulnerable not only in the last two days but the days that will follow when election results start coming “ So, we want journalists to have the necessary space to exercise their duty responsibly without fear or favor” he said.
Malupenga said police should fully investigate the case and bring culprits to book so that it serves as warning to would be offenders as the country heads to the polls this Thursday.
Malupenga stressed the importance of providing journalists a safe space as they carry out their duties, especially during and after the elections ahead of results’ release.
Malupenga said government was committed to freedom of expression and of the media.
“ Government is alive to the fact that there will be violence on the cyber space, especially when election results will be announced and has strongly warned against violence in the cyber space as government will not hesitate to invoke the law against such offenders, “ he said.
And Malupenga reminded citizens to use the internet and other social media platforms responsibly bearing in mind all the laws that exist to guide on the use of the internet.
At the same ceremony, Mwila expressed gratitude to government for the help and support rendered to him from the time he suffered the ordeal.
He has also appealed to political parties’ cadres to understand that journalists play a critical role in informing the citizens on the happenings in the country to help them make informed decisions.
