Founder of the Free Press Initiative (FPI), Joan Chirwa, has described the court injunction preventing News Diggers from airing its investigative documentary on Chinese investments as a serious infringement on press freedom.
Chirwa has also called on the judiciary to carefully consider the broader implications of issuing gag orders that undermine the public’s right to access information.
On Friday, May 23, News Diggers was set to premiere its documentary titled “The Good, the Bad and the Dangerous” through its social media platforms and in partnership with Diamond TV. The documentary investigates Chinese business operations in Zambia.
However, the Lusaka High Court granted an ex-parte injunction to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia, barring News Diggers from broadcasting the documentary.
Speaking on the matter on Saturday, Chirwa expressed concern about the impact such decisions have on media freedom and the public’s access to vital information.