ZUJ protests over Daily Nation’s Michael Miyoba torture by Zambia Air Force By ALEX BASOPO NJOVU ZUJ Vice President THE Zambia Union of Journalist (ZUJ) Press statement Thursday, January 18, 2018 THE Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) is disappointed to learn that some Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officers abducted and tortured a Daily Nation journalist Michael Miyoba in the central business district of Lusaka on Monday. It is shocking that the officers, who have been assigned to keep vigil in the central business district in town in light of the outbreak of cholera and subsequent removal of street vendors, subjected Mr Miyoba to inhuman treatment. We understand that this included pulling his manhood. Whatever the case, this is a criminal act that must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. We therefore demand for the arrest of all the ZAF officers involved in this inhuman treatment of Mr Miyoba. Further, we appeal to the good office of the ZAF Commander, Lieutenant General Eric Chimese, to discipline the officers who seem to be overzealous before they tarnish the good image of the air force which is known for its’ discipline. In addition to that, we demand an unreserved apology. Mr Miyoba was abducted from Kulima Tower Bus Station, bundled in a military vehicle and taken to a place behind the Lusaka Main Post Office in town, where he was beaten and tortured. The officers poured cold water on the defenceless journalist. Despite Mr Miyoba identifying himself and producing his identification card, the officers took turns in beating and sexually abusing him. ZUJ has spoken to Mr Miyoba and his employers to offer solidarity. The journalist has been left traumatised in the last few days by the whole experience. We would like to commend Mr Miyoba for refusing to do sit-ups and roll-up on the tarred road. Only two weeks ago, a female Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) journalist was also beaten and abused by a group of Zambia Army officers in Lusaka. This is uncalled for and we demand respect and protection from our men and women in uniform. We are partners and not enemies. Zambia is a signatory to the United Nations conventions on the elimination of all forms of abuse and torture. The criminals therefore that sexually abused and tortured Mr Miyoba must be withdrawn from the streets and brought to book with immediate effect. As journalists we are trained to inform, educate and entertain the public. We are therefore vulnerable when it comes to fighting, it is not our game. It is a shame that one of the female officers pulled Mr Miyoba’s private parts, causing harm and damage to his manhood. One wonders what she wanted to see. The Zambia Union of Journalists is in support of every action taken by the Government to stop the spread of Cholera in Lusaka and other parts of the country. This is the reason why our members and journalists in general have risked their lives by going to epicentres. The whole story about Cholera- outbreak in Zambia would not have been well documented and told if the media had shield away from its’ duty. Let us refrain from harassing, intimidating and beating journalists. ALEX BASOPO NJOVU Vice President For and on behalf Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) Unity is Strength
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Zambia’s Daily Nation journalist Michael Miyoba
ALEX BASOPO NJOVU Vice President THE Zambia Union of Journalist (ZUJ)
By ALEX BASOPO NJOVU Vice President THE Zambia Union of Journalist (ZUJ) Press statement Thursday, January 18, 2018
THE Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) is disappointed to learn that some Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officers abducted and tortured a Daily Nation journalist Michael Miyoba in the central business district of Lusaka on Monday.
It is shocking that the officers, who have been assigned to keep vigil in the central business district in town in light of the outbreak of cholera and subsequent removal of street vendors, subjected Mr Miyoba to inhuman treatment.
We understand that this included pulling his manhood. Whatever the case, this is a criminal act that must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.
We therefore demand for the arrest of all the ZAF officers involved in this inhuman treatment of Mr Miyoba. Further, we appeal to the good office of the ZAF Commander, Lieutenant General Eric Chimese, to discipline the officers who seem to be overzealous before they tarnish the good image of the air force which is known for its’ discipline.
In addition to that, we demand an unreserved apology. Mr Miyoba was abducted from Kulima Tower Bus Station, bundled in a military vehicle and taken to a place behind the Lusaka Main Post Office in town, where he was beaten and tortured.
The officers poured cold water on the defenceless journalist. Despite Mr Miyoba identifying himself and producing his identification card, the officers took turns in beating and sexually abusing him. ZUJ has spoken to Mr Miyoba and his employers to offer solidarity.
The journalist has been left traumatised in the last few days by the whole experience.
Streets without vendors around Kulima Tower building Katunjila Road Wednesday 17 January 2018 pix by Herbert Macha
We would like to commend Mr Miyoba for refusing to do sit-ups and roll-up on the tarred road. Only two weeks ago, a female Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) journalist was also beaten and abused by a group of Zambia Army officers in Lusaka.
This is uncalled for and we demand respect and protection from our men and women in uniform. We are partners and not enemies. Zambia is a signatory to the United Nations conventions on the elimination of all forms of abuse and torture.
The criminals therefore that sexually abused and tortured Mr Miyoba must be withdrawn from the streets and brought to book with immediate effect.
As journalists we are trained to inform, educate and entertain the public. We are therefore vulnerable when it comes to fighting, it is not our game.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga. and Zambian Breweries Country Director Jose Moran, Corporate Affairs Directors Ezekiel Sekele with 2017 Zambian Breweries Media winners
It is a shame that one of the female officers pulled Mr Miyoba’s private parts, causing harm and damage to his manhood. One wonders what she wanted to see.
The Zambia Union of Journalists is in support of every action taken by the Government to stop the spread of Cholera in Lusaka and other parts of the country.
This is the reason why our members and journalists in general have risked their lives by going to epicentres. The whole story about Cholera- outbreak in Zambia would not have been well documented and told if the media had shield away from its’ duty.
Let us refrain from harassing, intimidating and beating journalists. ALEX BASOPO NJOVU Vice President For and on behalf Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) Unity is Strength
