The Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council NGOCC says that there is need to review the many unacceptable laws which hamper the work of the media.
Executive Director Engwase Mwale says that it is sad that while Zambia remains a democracy, it still has laws which impede the free flow of information like the defamation of the President and other insult laws.
She states that it is high time the law on the defamation of the President was reviewed in line with the spirit of democracy.
In a statement availed to Breeze News, Ms Mwale says that the importance of a free press in a democracy cannot be over emphasised as the media has an important role to play as a watchdog of society.
She says that NGOCC remains concerned with the many challenges which Zambian Journalists face on a daily basis in the discharge of their duties.
Ms Mwale says that this year’s theme: “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedom –This is Your Right!” Could not have come at a better time than now, when Zambians are heading for a general election to elect a leadership that is going to guarantee this right.
Meanwhile Ms Mwale says that her organisation is also saddened with the heightened violence against Journalists especially by political cadres adding that there are unprecedented levels of intolerance by political cadres against Journalists.
She has appealed to all political leaders to publicly denounce violence and allow the media to work freely.
Ms Mwale has however, noted that the bias by some media is without doubt further polarising the media.