STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA The police must not protect the powerful who harm the poor and voiceless people but protect the lives of the poor and voiceless people. Further, MISA wishes to reiterate that without a vibrant media, the public’s right to receive information on matters of public interest from a variety of sources cannot be fulfilled. Further, MISA Zambia would like urge the police to protect lives as it is its core mandate to do so in the country. "We are calling upon the Inspector-General of Police Mr. Kakoma Kanganja and Police Commissioner on the Copperbelt Mrs. Charity Katanga to curb this lawlessness by the police. They should not view the media as an enemy but rather a stakeholder in defending the lives and rights of citizens in Zambia. Nevertheless, MISA Zambia calls on Journalists to remain strong as they continue to carry out their duties of defending the poor and helpless from the powerful in our society who see the poor as objects that do not deserve the right to life and protection. The MISA Chairperson further emphasised that, MISA Zambia shall always stand with the media in all situations because the media is the watchdog of society. This was an important statement that shows a commitment to defending the journalism fraternity in Zambia on the part of MISA Zambia. 4.3.4 Lawsuits The quarter under review recorded cases of threats of court action. Of note was the case involving the report published by the US based Environmental Investigation Agency and picked up by News Diggers! On the 6th of December, 2019 the News Diggers Newspaper publication carried a headline “Kapata To Sue News Diggers For Publishing Mukula Smuggling Cartel,” it was reported that: Lands Minister Jean Kapata says she will sue News Diggers newspaper for publishing an investigative report released by a US based Environmental Investigation Agency, which implicates her in the mukula smuggling cartel. Speaking at a press briefing, Kapata said government was under siege from its enemies who were using the media. 30