FPI CONDEMNS KALULUSHI COUNCIL BARRING OF PHOENIX REPORTER

The Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) has condemned the decision to bar a Phoenix FM Zambia reporter from accessing the Kalulushi Municipal Council totalling centre on the Copperbelt. In a statement issued today, FPI Founder and Executive Director Joan Chirwa stated that the reporter was stopped at the entrance by council and Zambia Police officers […]

The Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) has condemned the decision to bar a Phoenix FM Zambia reporter from accessing the Kalulushi Municipal Council totalling centre on the Copperbelt.

In a statement issued today, FPI Founder and Executive Director Joan Chirwa stated that the reporter was stopped at the entrance by council and Zambia Police officers who claimed to have instructions not to allow any Phoenix FM staff into the centre.

Chirwa added that this action was taken despite the reporter presenting valid accreditation and employer identification to the officers on duty.

The journalist-cum-lawyer observed that the officers provided no explanation for the restriction, leaving the reporter without any clarity on the grounds for the denial.

Chirwa noted that the barring is deeply concerning at such a critical time when Zambians are eager for information on the election process and results from the poll held on 13 August.

She advanced that the unfortunate decision follows the station’s reporting on the suspension of results announcement after discrepancies were recorded between figures presented at the totalling centre and those recorded at polling stations.

Chirwa said that the action against the reporter appears to be a direct response to the station’s earlier coverage of those discrepancies.

She affirmed that journalists must be allowed to report freely and independently on the electoral process without interference from state officers.

Chirwa emphasised that all accredited journalists deserve unhindered access to election-related proceedings across the country.

She further called on officers at all totalling centres to immediately cease any restrictions on media access and to respect the role of the press in democracy.

The FPI has also called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to clarify the basis for this decision without further delay.

Chirwa urged the commission to guarantee that no accredited journalist is prevented from carrying out their lawful duties during the remaining stages of the electoral process.