MISA condemns impunity for attacks on journalists in Malawi
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nyasa Times
The Media Institute of Southern Africa in Malawi accuses the state of allowing impunity to grow after assaults, threats, arrests and harassment targeting journalists. Its president, Felix Washon, calls on police to protect them better and prosecute those responsible, in a statement published on 2 November 2026.
In Malawi, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) accuses the authorities of allowing a culture of impunity to take hold in the face of violence and threats against journalists. In a statement published on Monday 2 November to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, its president, Felix Washon, denounced attacks that are rarely investigated or prosecuted.
MISA Malawi cites physical assaults, online harassment, arbitrary arrests and threats. The organisation says many victims remain silent because they no longer believe law enforcement will intervene. It also reports threats attributed to businesses and politically influential people.
Felix Washon called on the police to protect journalists and allow them to work without harassment, violence or arbitrary arrest. The International Day observed on 2 November stems from a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling on governments to investigate crimes against journalists and prosecute those responsible. The statement comes on the same day as UJCA’s warning about threats against Central African journalists.
