Three journalists assaulted in Malawi as calls grow for an investigation
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Malawi24
Three journalists were assaulted in Blantyre during a religious ceremony, and one was hospitalised after being beaten and robbed of his phone. The Media Institute of Southern Africa is calling for an investigation, while the Democratic Progressive Party denies its supporters were involved, reports Malawi24.
Three journalists were assaulted on Sunday in Blantyre, Malawi, while covering celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian. The Media Institute of Southern Africa in Malawi (MISA Malawi) says the attackers were allegedly supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and is calling for an investigation, according to a statement published on 25 October.
Francis Chamasowa, a photojournalist with Nation Publications Limited, and Francis Nkawihe, a reporter with Transworld Radio, were manhandled and forced to delete photographs. Kondwani Nyondo, a journalist with Nation Publications Limited, was severely beaten and had his phone stolen. He reported the assault at Blantyre police station and received outpatient treatment at Gateway Clinic.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba rejected the claim that the attackers belonged to the party, while condemning the violence and calling for an investigation. MISA Malawi also criticised police officers at the scene for failing to intervene and called for their conduct to be examined. The organisation recalled that freedom of the press is guaranteed by Article 36 of Malawi’s Constitution.
