Kawana Criticizes Tabloid for Publishing Unverified UN Blacklisting Story
By Mary Kachepa
Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says the inaccurate story carried by a daily tabloid that the United Nations had blacklisted Zambia from the United Nations Human Rights Council for alleged failure to uphold human rights standards is embarrassing for the nation.
Mr. Kawana says the daily tabloid has embarrassed the journalism fraternity and the nation by publishing false, unverified information.
He told journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka that it is unacceptable and shameful for a media house to publish a fake news item quoting the United Nations.
Mr. Kawana has urged journalists and media houses to ensure that they verify information before publication.
He further said it is disappointing that a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and leader of an opposition political party made comments on social media about the fake report without verifying the information.
