Gen Miyanda demands immediate opening of closed media institutions

Gen. Godfrey Miyanda

Former Vice President and Heritage Party President Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda has clarified that he is not asking President Elect Edgar Lungu to mediate the opening of the closed media houses but that he is demanding for the immediate opening.

Miyanda said this in an email he sent to Zambian Eye after he was earlier quoted by the tabloid as having asked Lungu to mediate. Instead he said he is demanding for the re-opening of the media houses as soon as possible by Lungu.

“I actually demanded for the State/Lungu to open the closed media houses including The Post. This demand is serious; remember Government attempted unsuccessfully to shut down the online Zambian Watchdog some years ago and I condemned that; so even you online newspapers are NOT safe.” Miyanda urged Zambian Eye.

“A strong but accurate message must be published for the Government to be aware that we cannot distinguish between IBA and the Government.I feel that even yourselves, Zambian Eye, should make such a demand in solidarity with your colleagues, regardless of your editorial policy and stance on their publications; the issue is the freedom of the media, including your freedom as Zambian Eye.” he said

Zambia Revenue Authority has closed down The Post for non payment of its taxes, the matter which has ben dragged to court whilst the post is operating outside its premises. And the Independent Broadcasting Authority has suspended the broadcasting linces for Muvi Television, Komboni and Itezhi tezhi Radio