Malawi calls for arrests after violence in Blantyre
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nyasa Times
The Media Institute of Southern Africa in Malawi and the Public Affairs Committee are calling for arrests after violence injured three journalists and damaged Malawi Congress Party vehicles. The organisations want a police investigation and sanctions against those responsible for incidents during the 150th anniversary of the Blantyre Synod, Nyasa Times reports.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) in Malawi and the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), two organisations defending press freedom and civic life, have called for the arrest of those involved in violence during Sunday’s celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod. Misa is calling in particular for the prosecution of those who assaulted three journalists, according to Nyasa Times.
The PAC extended the call to those who attacked Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials and vandalised several of their vehicles. Its representative, Gilford Matonga, described the violence as a disgrace to democracy, while Felix Washon, president of Misa Malawi, called on police to investigate allegations that officers witnessed the assaults without intervening.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Shadric Namalomba distanced the party from the violence and called for a police investigation. National police spokesperson Gladys Chiwawula confirmed that a complaint had been received from journalist Kondwani Nyondo and said investigations were under way.
The calls follow the assault of three journalists in Malawi, reported on 26 October. The violence took place in Blantyre, where a water outage had also suspended treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 24 October.
