A CONSORTIUM of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) says public office bearers must not only be able to tolerate a lot of criticism, but should expect it. In a joint statement, Friday, Chapter One Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde said, on behalf of 11 other CSOs, that freedom of expression should not be limited unless it posed a clear risk of harm. She urged the government to use the ongoing legislative review and amendment processes to amend the law on criminal defamation and defamation of the President. “The offence of defamation of the President stifles political discussion and leads to a government which functions on the fear of its citizens. Where there is no freedom of speech, self-censorship, and persecution of...