MISA Malawi would like to notify its membership and the general public that three of its members were earlier this afternoon detained for allegedly behaving in a disorderly manner at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA).
The three, Golden Matonga of Nation Publications Limited (NPL), Steve Zimba and Francis Chamasowa of Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) were at the airport to cover the arrival of the EU delegation which is expected to release a report on the May 2019 Tripartite Elections.
The three have since been released on bail.
MISA Malawi has gathered that the three were arrested for allegedly taking pictures of the EU Delegation without seeking permission from the authorities at the airport.
MISA Malawi is worried that authorities continue to treat journalism as a crime and that there is continued animosity by some police officers towards journalists.
We would like to reiterate our appeal to the police to work as a reformed service and create a better working relationship with journalists.
MISA Malawi will engage the leadership of the police to discuss these concerns and agree on concrete steps of improving the working relationship between our two sides.
MISA Malawi also remains committed to ensuring that journalists abide by the country’s laws as well as enjoy their duly enshrined constitutional freedom to carry out their duties.
We will keep the membership and the general public updated on developments around the case.
Media contacts
MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga
Cell: +265 999 247 911 or email teresa.temweka@gmail.com
MISA Malawi National Director Aubrey Chikungwa
Cell: +265 999 327 311 or email info@misamalawi.org
