Despite Closure on Zambia’s Newspaper They Nits The Streets

The Zambia’s largest private daily, The Post, shut two days ago over a tax row has continued publishing.

The newspaper copies were being sold on the streets of the capital Lusaka on Thursday as its reporters continued operating from outside their office.

The paper said it was being targeted for its “editorial independence and political views”.

Zambia Revenue Authorities (ZRA) shut the newspaper in the capital Lusaka.

Tax agency is demanding $6.1 million disputed tax arrears.

Newspaper management says the amount being demanded was paid almost in total, but a ZRA officer says they have not accessed the money and thus could not withdraw the warrant of distress.

The opposition parties and civil society have raised alarm over the closure ahead of August 11 elections terming it abuse of press freedom.

Zambian opposition parties have protested government decision.

At the printing plant, ZRA officers switched off the printing press, locked up the premises, leaving heavily armed police officers in charge.

Newspaper, established in 1991 has been critical of successive regimes, including current President Edgar Lungu.