Journalist Macmillan Mhone has been released on police bail pending further investigations.
Malawi Police Service (MPS) and lawyers representing Mhone have both confirmed the development.
MISA Malawi welcomes the development and reiterates its position for authorities to drop all charges against the journalist.
While we admit that journalists are not immune to investigations, we stand by our position that those aggrieved by a publication should seek civil redress for any reporting deemed to have injured their reputation or image of their institution.
Mhone was arrested and detained at Blantyre Police Station in the morning of Monday, April 8, 2024 over a story about businessman Abdul Karim Batatawala that an online news site Malawi24 published in August 2023.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Police transferred Mhone from Blantyre to Malawi Police Service Headquarters in Lilongwe.
Mhone has been charged with three counts:
- Publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm to the public
- Cyber Spamming
- Extortion
The arrest of Mhone highlights the existence of many laws that undermine media freedom and the country’s democracy at large. We implore government to review these laws.
Media contacts
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga
Cell: +265 99 616 9705 or email goldenmatonga@gmail.com
MISA Malawi National Director Aubrey Chikungwa
Cell: +265 999 327 311 or email info@misamalawi.org
