WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW GOVERNMENT TO IMPOSE CENSORSHIP
Musa Mwenye, SC writes:
Zambia is a democracy and we must not get tired of reminding ourselves of this.
Although I, myself, have been subjected to online malice, I would caution against over regulation of social media in a manner that stifles genuine criticism and valid social commentary.
We Zambians love our freedoms. We even jest and joke about everything, even about our suffering and difficulties and this is an important avenue for us to deal with our social and economic difficulties.
Over censorship in this regard, has the unintended but undesired effect of driving dissent underground. This is never a good thing for those of us in leadership because we are often left with only the deceiving voices of those who agree with us.
Traditionally, long before social media, our kings and chiefs would know the suffering of the masses through sometimes offensive songs and drums of the people. People vented their frustrations that way, and it kept our societies peaceful and stable.
As we discuss this issue and remind ourselves of being responsible in our social media posts, we must always remember that the answer to misinformation is actually more information.
The government should also not allow people practicing online hate speech, propaganda, defamation and abuse of children online.
I think the main issue here is not to stop all who issue their opinions in a manner which adheres to lawful requirements.
The decree seeks to deal with those who issue unfounded, malicious and contemptuous utterances meant distroy the image of those unjustly targeted.
I believe that’s why you sued a certain MP for maligning your image. Let’s be forth right in our public discourse. Don’t have double standards. This contradicts your actions of sueing a social blogger who assassinated your character and you went all out for his neck. How is it now you want others to suffer the same embarrassing character assassination.
Musa mwenye is wounded buffalo expect nothing from here
Please listen to Musa! Using one’s loaf is something one should consider. We know you have to sing for your supper!!
Musa Mwenye is playing double standards and trying to portray as those he is smart and concerned person to advocate for freedom of speech and dissemination of information. It is important to note that social media platforms for a long time nowb have been abused by spreading malice and falsehood. When people comment on national issues there should be evidence and well researched information to support any claims of allegations against pressed on certain individuals or government. People have been using social media to assassinate characters of other people by using abusive language and telling lies. If people will genuinely comment on national and any other issues I don’t foresee the law be against them. I support the government’s to strengthen the laws that would regulate social media to bring sanity and order. Promotion of freedoms and human rights does not mean giving people freedom to people to say anything by propagating malice, hate speech, falsehood and making unfounded accusations. The government should also enhance ethics and responsible journalism.
Musa Mwenya you are adding to the confusion and are disingenious.
Take time and reflect on you positions. Many have come before you and will serve Zambia. Heal from you wounds of removal. You served before and you took time to heal. This time around you seem too quick to vilify yourself. Introspection is good.
Those who fear God will not abuse others on social media. They are two groups in this world; one that gives reverence to God and show love to everyone and other that serves the work of the the devil and maim, destroy kill everyone. Where do you belong?
It is not enough to be called state counsel but one have to live a godly life
This reminds me about Idi Amin who claimed that there was freedom of speech but not freedom after speech. The leadership of many African countries seem to have a different definition of freedom of speech from country to country depending on their circumstances