Free Press Initiative (FPI Zambia) founder Joan Chirwa welcomes the jailing of a Chipata PF cadre Frank Mwale to two years imprisonment for assaulting Breeze FM journalist Grace Lungu
Joan Chirwa an IPI member, Free Press Initiative Zambia
FPI WELCOMES JAILING OF A CHIPATA PF CADRE FOR ASSAULTING A JOURNALIST
The FPI Zambia welcomes the jailing of a Chipata PF cadre to two years imprisonment for assaulting Breeze FM journalist Grace Lungu.
Grace was assaulted by Frank Mwale while covering the Mkomba ward by-election in February, 2019.
The judgment passed by the Lundazi Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 6, 2020, should serve as a strong warning to all political party cadres, regardless of affiliation, that an assault on journalists will not go unpunished.
Journalists deserve total protection and freedom to carry out their duties. Inflicting fear in them through assault is a serious injustice not only to the journalism profession but the entire nation as the press serves as the fourth estate in a democracy.
As we approach the 2021 general elections, we hope all political party cadres will use this case as an example to refrain from violence against journalists.
We’re elated that justice has finally been served and we thank Grace for not yielding to pressure to drop the case, and MISA Zambia and BBC Media Action for the spirited fight in this matter.
Joan Chirwa an IPI member, Free Press Initiative Zambia
#Journalismisnotacrime
#Supportafreepress
Issued by:
Joan Chirwa
FPI Zambia founder
