Luanda – The state-controlled television stations Televisão Pública de Angola (TPA) and TV Zimbo Monday in Luanda announced their decision to cease covering main opposition UNITA party’s activities, until the political organisation comes forward and apologises for acts of intimidation against their journalists.
The measure follows attempts of aggression and intimidation by UNITA’s militants and supporters against journalists from the two media organs covering last Saturday’s demonstration.
In separate notes, the TV stations condemn the aggressive attitude of UNITA’s demonstrators, stressing their right to exercise a black-out on the political organisation, until its leadership comes forward and apologises publicly.
The stations further say they are ceasing to invite militants and high ranking UNITA’s members for debates, until the political party, at highest level, publicly apologises and promises to stop acts of intolerance.
Political parties with parliament seat also condemned the acts perpetrated against the journalists, saying such attitudes hurt the rules of democracy.
The government, through the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication (MINTTICS), has also rejected the acts of intimidation and aggression against the media professionals.
MINTTICS deplored the incident saying it endangers the rights enshrined in the Constitution, and appealed to UNITA to assume its responsibilities and help trace down those responsible for this “deplorable” act in a democratic and law-abiding State.
