The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) would like to call upon the police, regulatory authorities and all citizens to respect journalists’ right to report and inform Malawians on demonstrations scheduled for Friday, April 27, 2017.
Section 36 of the Malawi Constitution (PDF) clearly states that ‘The press shall have the right to report and publish freely, within Malawi and abroad, and to be accorded the fullest possible facilities for access to public information.’
The Chapter believes that media coverage of the demonstrations falls within the framework of public information and any attempts to interfere with such coverage would be a violation of Section 36 of the Constitution and Malawians’ right to know. The Chapter would also like to call upon all journalists and media houses to be professional in reporting on the demonstrations and to take all necessary safety precautions.
We are optimistic that all relevant stakeholders will work together to ensure peaceful demonstrations.
Signed
Teresa Ndanga
Chairperson, MISA Malawi
For more information call +265 999 247 911 or email teresa.temweka@gmail.com or info@misamalawi.org
