RIGHTS GROUPS CONDEMN CRACKDOWN ON PRESS FREEDOM
- By Kenson McCloud
As Civil Society Organizations and development partners continue to condemn the arrest of investigative journalist, Gregory Gondwe, a grouping of lawyers that advocate for human rights, Section 12, has added its voice calling the arrest a cramp down on freedom of the press.
Gondwe was detained and later on released on Tuesday over an alleged offence under the Electronic Management Transaction and Cyber Security Act following the publication of a story that exposed corrupt dealings.
Speaking to Timveni Executive Director for Section 12, Khwima Mchizi, said the arrest was a poor attempt by government to silence whistle-blowers who give information to journalists.
While acknowledging the state’s obligation to investigate independently, Section 12 has pleaded with the state to respect Section 36 of the Constitution which guarantees press freedom.
Mchizi warned that the incident has the potential to ruin government’s reputation on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the police have on Wednesday returned gadgets they confiscated from Gondwe on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, Malawi Human Rights Commission has revealed that it has launched an investigation into Gondwe’s arrest.
MISA Malawi has also condemned the arrest.
The international community, mainly US and UK Governments, also condemned the arrest.
