ZAMBIA: ZEC saddened by the closure of a Local Newspaper ‘The Post’ by the Government
Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) together with other organizations under the umbrella body of Oasis Forum which include ZEC, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and the Non-Governmental Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed sadness towards the closure of a Zambian Newspaper, The Post over tax dispute.
The Zambian government through Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) shut the operation of the largest Newspaper; The Post, for alleged failure to remit taxes amounting to $6 million that the Supreme Court ordered the newspaper to pay. However, the Newspaper’s owner said that the move is meant to shut them up before elections in August. The Post Newspaper has been a staunch critic of the government since its founding over 25 years ago.
Oasis Forum Chairperson who is also the Secretary General of ZEC, Rev. Fr Cleophas Lungu said that the issue is taken as the infringement of the freedom of the press and that of expression.
“Given that Zambia will soon be holding its general elections on 11th August 2016 and that the electorates need to make some informed decisions based on a wide array of information, we strongly believe that the closure of The Post does not augur well with our democratic dispensation,” he said.
The Oasis Forum further observed that the incident and the questionable conduct of both the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) as well as the Zambia Police was another manifestation of a serious breakdown of the Rule of Law and widespread lawlessness in the country.
“Indeed, if a public authority can have the audacity of ignoring a validly issued and legally binding court order, then we cannot but wonder as to where this country is heading. Again, if the law enforcement agencies cannot be seen to fairly, equally, consistently, reasonably and professionally execute their mandate in view of protecting citizens; we wonder as to whom those who feel threatened should run to. Furthermore, if it is true that the ZRA was not collecting the huge and much publicized taxes from The Post Newspaper since 2009, then heads must be questioning them because of the highest degree of their incompetence and neglect,” Fr Lungu said in a statement issued on Thursday, 30th June, 2016.
The Oasis Forum has also registered its deep concern and disgust over the brutal conduct of the officers in uniform as well as suspected cadres who arrested the managing editor of The Post Newspaper (Mr. Fred M’membe), his wife (Mutinta) as well as the deputy managing Editor Mr. Joseph Mwenda.
The Post managing editor together with his wife as well as the deputy managing editor tried to access the newspaper premises at 02.00 am on Tuesday, 28th June, 2016 but were barred by the police. The trio attempted to force their way through and were immediately arrested and detained. Police have since charged them with uttering a false document, contrary to Section 352 of the Penal Code and are now facing seven years imprisonment, if convicted.
Fr Lungu explained that the Oasis Forum is fully aware of the implications of evading tax and that no legal excuse can be given for individuals and institutions that refuse to pay taxes. However, the physical violence unleashed upon the three individuals was totally uncalled for and is condemned in the strongest terms possible.
“The Oasis Forum calls upon our leaders across the political divide to exercise true leadership by toning down their language and avoiding unnecessary issues against each other. We long to hear the rhetoric of peace and unity that will further entrench our national motto of One Zambia, One Nation,” he said.
By Mwenya Mukuka, ZEC Communications Officer
