ZAMBIA MUST REFORM CONTEMPT LAWS.

It is unthinkable for the state to bring contempt charges against the entire Post Newspapers staff over the publication of Professor of law Muna Ndulo’s article on the Chansa Kabwela case. This is how desperate the MMD government has become to silence truth. Zambians are now aware of the true colors of this government. MMD government must stop this smear campaign against the only independent newspaper in Zambia - The Post. Failure to that, Zambians have to decide with vote in 2011. This is not about the courts, but it is the tactics of RB authoritarian regime.

This situation should be a woke up for Zambians to demand contempt law reforms because we are tired of tactics covering up the truth. In this global communication era, no one is immuned from instant news and opinions. One of the principles of Justice is a fair free free from prejudice. Of course all Zambians, not just the State but including the Post staff are interested in in protecting and maintaining the intergrity of the Zambian courts.

However, the reality in Zambia is sad. The MMD government is now using this law to silence independent investigative media reports. How come only the Post, not other government media is targeted with the contempt charges. Zambia must reform this law now. The status quo is destroying our democracy and MMD government must realize that enforced silence on cases with national implications does not enhance the respect of the courts. Laws develop and adapt to situations.

Reform the media contempt laws in Zambia, it is destroying free speeh, free discussion and killing democracy. Zambians gave the MMD government a mandate to govern by laws not intimidation or violence; if MMD fails to do this they must give up power to another party.