ANTI-GOVERNMENT DEMOS TURN UGLY IN LL

By Jecina Chikwelete 

8 leaders and over 40 people have been arrested after what were scheduled to be anti-government protests by Human Rights Ambassadors against alleged selective justice, turned into running battles with the police on Wednesday in the Capital City Lilongwe as the demonstrators became violent.

Despite an 11 hour injunction being obtained against the demos, the demonstrations went ahead and the groups split into 2.

The youth dominated the demonstrations and chanted anti-government songs.

Reports indicate that the police tried to disperse the crowd using teargas especially at Biwi Triangle and Wakawaka market.

According to reports some demonstrators have vandalized shops, stealing some goods in the process.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested three security officers for Human Rights Ambassadors.

Timveni has observed that the Lilongwe judiciary premises are being manned by police officers as the protestors are protesting against the judiciary.

Banks, schools and other business places have also been closed.

Lilongwe Police Spokesperson Hastings Chigaru asked for more time to gather more information before commenting.