STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA
proactive and stop propagandists from making false and malicious statements to avoid inciting
xenophobic behavior13.
He said it would not be against media freedom for the police to go to a
radio station to stop an irresponsible leader from spreading misinformation
that resulted in chaos as was the case with the riot in Kitwe.
Mr. Chanda urged the security wings in the country to be proactive in order
to stop such malicious acts.
Briefing the media in Ndola yesterday, Mr. Chanda also said the media
should be careful not to project misinformation from disgruntled
individuals.
Mr. Chanda also challenged ZICTA to take action and bring down posts that contained fake
news and were misinforming the public.
4.2.1 Law Suits
This quarter reported a lot of legal suits. Prominent among these were defamation cases. A news
editor and a corruption activist were sentenced to prison for contempt of court. The two were
slapped with different sentences for the same case.
On 14th October, the Zambian Daily Mail reported that UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema had
sued Chilufya Tayali for defamation14. The UPND leader sued Economic Equity Party (EPP) for
alleged defamatory statements purportedly intended to expose Mr. Hichilema to ridicule, hatred
and contempt and damage his reputation in society.
Law Association of Zambia President Eddie Mwitwa commended the Supreme Court for
sentencing Gregory Chifire to 6 years imprisonment15. Lusaka Times reported that:
Mr. Mwitwa also observed that the Supreme Court judgment where Mr. Chifire
was convicted indicated that the judiciary welcomed constructive criticism

13

Daily Nation – Stop the riot, IBA Told – 4th November, 2018
Zambia Daily Mail – HH Sues Tayali for Defamation – 14th October, 2018
15
Lusaka Times – Gregory Chifire sentenced to 6 years imprisonment – 25th November,
14

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2018

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