STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 3. 2020 The horrific killing of George Floyd has jolted America weak to the need to change our policies, protect our citizens and address systematic problems of racism. That is where freedom of speech comes in, if we didn’t have freedom of speech, we wouldn’t have continued to improve as individuals and as a nation. We wouldn’t have allowed freedom of speech and debates in the press, in social media and peaceful protests in our streets. Today, I am hopeful that out of the terrible tragedy of Mr Floyd’s death, some good may come precisely because our citizens are exercising their freedom of speech to press for much needed change. Now please allow me to share a couple of reflections on freedom of speech in Zambia. Like the United States and other countries, Zambia is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and thus committed to free speech. Some people say if you are criticizing the President, you are unpatriotic. One leader in the National Assembly said ‘government and party cadres should break the bones of its critics,’ that is inflammatory and not a peaceful exercise of freedom of speech. For me, freedom of speech needs to take place in the context of peaceful expression. If party cadres break into a radio station because the host is interviewing an opposition leader, that is a violation of freedom of speech. If media outlets that feature opposition and critical voices are closed, that is not freedom of speech. And when the Public Order Act is unevenly applied allowing one party unfair advantage of holding events and rallies while opposing parties and civil society groups are not granted the same, that is restriction on freedom of speech. Now at the same time these freedoms must be used responsibly. Social media is an important part of our lives today and can be used in a thousand different ways, both good and bad. With cautious strive to ensure that social media is not used to distribute hate speech or misogynistic speech but when discussing the regulations of social media, it is important not to outlaw, prohibit fair comment and criticism of public officials. Respectful and peaceful debate and disagreement are essential parts of freedom of speech, our most precious right. I strongly encourage Zambia to promote and protect these freedoms which are essential to your democracy. To my Zambian friends, in government and outside government, I am convinced that your democracy and 15