MISA Zambia Demands Release of Jailed Journalist The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has demanded the immediate release of detained Kabwe-based freelance journalist Wilson Mpondamali. Mpondamali, who was discharged from Kabwe General Hospital today and returned to a holding cell, is being detained for allegedly having links to the news website Zambian Watchdog. In a communiqué signed by all the regional heads, chairperson Anthony Kasunda said the body had observed with dismay the slowly deteriorating media freedom environment in Zambia that had seen the strangulation of online media. “…we strongly condemn the continued detention of Wilson Pondamali. We demand his immediate release to allow the legal process to take its course,” Kasunda said. “We have further noted that a number of processes to enact access to information laws have stalled in the region. We therefore call on the governments of Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zambia to expedite the adoption of access to information laws without further delay. We urge the government of Namibia to begin the process.” The gathering noted that rather than criminalize online media the government needed to engage the cyber journalists to find common ground. “Recent events across the region point to increased threats to freedom of expression in cyberspace.” Kasunda stated. ”These include the blocking of websites in Zambia, the banning of bulk SMS services in Zimbabwe, and the introduction of legislation seeking to impose restrictions online in the region.” He said, “We condemn, in the strongest terms, efforts aimed at inhibiting freedom of expression and access to information through ICT platforms.” zambiareports/2013/07/31/misa-zambia-demands-release-of-jailed-journalist/
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 05:46:10 +0000
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