The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) would like to condemn the alarming and sustained surge in online harassment, bullying, and intimidation directed at journalists in the country. These deplorable acts, often orchestrated and amplified by political actors and their supporters, pose a direct and serious threat to media freedom and the country’s democracy.
Targeted Attacks on Cathy Maulidi and Times Group
MISA Malawi is deeply concerned by the ongoing attacks targeting journalist Cathy Maulidi and Times Group. These attacks have been relentless following her report on conditions at State House in the aftermath of the transition of power from President Lazarus Chakwera to President Peter Mutharika.
Such harassment inflicts severe emotional pain and distress on journalists and is nothing less than an attack on media freedom. No credible, independent source has disputed the factual basis of Cathy Maulidi’s reports. It has come to our attention that propaganda information is currently being circulated, falsely claiming that MISA Malawi disputed Times Group’s report on vandalism at State House. MISA Malawi disowns and distances itself from any such claims.
While we acknowledge the official statement from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) disputing certain claims within the Times report, we stress that disagreements on perspective or interpretation by various stakeholders, including political parties, should never, under any circumstances, degenerate into personal attacks or harassment of journalists.
We reiterate that members of the general public must always channel grievances through official media bodies, including media houses and representative bodies such as MISA Malawi or the Media Council of Malawi.
Wider Pattern of Harassment and Intimidation
This environment of hostility has broadened, with online attacks recently extending to journalists at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). There appears to be a sustained witch-hunt against a section of MBC journalists, including newly recruited staff, who are being unfairly and dangerously labelled as “MCP sympathizers.”
Furthermore, the recent online attacks on another Times Journalist saw people invading his privacy, sharing images of his private property in an attempt to intimidate him. Such actions are a profound violation of personal privacy and a direct attempt to silence independent reporting.
Constitutional Mandate and The Threat to Safety
The attacks are a clear affront to fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, which guarantees rights and freedoms of the media. Specifically, Section 36 grants the press “the right to report and publish freely, within Malawi and abroad and to be accorded the fullest possible facilities for access to information.”
MISA Malawi emphasizes that the online campaigns of intimidation do not merely lead to mistrust in the media; they have a dangerous tendency to degenerate into physical attacks. We have recently observed this worrying escalation with the physical harassment of journalists Malenga Chienda of Times Newspaper at an MCP press briefing, and Robert Edward of Luntha TV, who had to be whisked away to safety.
Call to Action
MISA Malawi calls upon all members of the public, particularly political parties and their affiliates, to desist from any actions that deliberately undermine media freedom, endanger journalists, or violate their right to privacy.
Journalists have a critical role to play as the public watchdog, and MISA Malawi will remain vigilant in defending their right to report without fear or favour.
MISA Malawi remains committed to promoting and defending media freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information in Malawi.
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
