Zambia: Journalists Verbally and Physically Assaulted

press release

On 1st December, 2011, former Minister of Labour and Social Security in the MMD regime, Austin Liato, appeared before the magistrate's court in Lusaka to plea in the case of the 24th November, 2011 where 2.1 Billion Kwacha was discovered buried in a fortified building on his property.

The case being newsworthy and of public interest, the media were at the courthouse to cover proceedings. However, it wasn't long before members of Liato's support camp started hurling verbal abuse towards journalists. The tension soon turned into a physical scuffle as Liato's supporters descended on the journalists and started beating them up.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.