State of the media report July - Dec 2022 The 3 FM Incident According to a monitoring report compiled by MISA Zambia of November 2022, the organisation had received a report on 2nd October 2022, through its Eastern Province Monitor which indicated that a journalist from Radio 3FM in Chipata district of Eastern Province was assaulted by alleged United Party for National Development (UPND) Cadres on accusations that the journalists had been misinforming the public through a named breakfast show which the radio station broadcasts every morning. The attack happened on 1st October 2022 around 21:00hrs when the journalist, Mr Dockiso Zulu was on his way home from watching a football match. The journalist was attacked by three men among which he was able to identify one. According to the reporter, his alleged assailants accused him of broadcasting false information about the Minister of Agriculture Mr. Reuben Mtolo Phiri accusing him of wanting to get the Minister fired. The suspected cadres used an iron bar and a plank to hit Mr. Zulu and further, threatened to deal with him more if he continued commenting on the honorable Minister in his programs. Following this attack, MISA Zambia and Internews conducted a monitoring visit to 3 FM to offer solidarity to Mr. Zulu and follow up on the case. During the visit, the team had a chance to meet with Mr. Zulu and other members of staff at 3 FM radio. During the engagement meeting, Mr. Zulu narrated to the visiting team what happened and gave an update on the status of the case. He indicated that the case was reported to the Police on 2nd October and was referred to the hospital for medical examination after a Police report was issued. After medical examinations, a docket was opened at the Police and investigations were commenced to arrest the suspects. One of the suspects was identified and a Police officer from the criminal investigation unite was assigned to work on the case and ensure that the suspects are apprehended. The visiting team also visited Chipata Central Police Station to speak with the Head of the criminal investigation unite to get an update on the case. The officer confirmed the case and stated that investigations were still ongoing to apprehend the suspects. He said the Police were trying to work with the members of the public to help apprehend the suspect as it was believed that the suspects were hiding which made it difficult to find them. 16