We also express our dismay over the cavalier and brutal manner the police has handled the demonstrations and journalists covering these demonstrations. Reports indicate that MACRA has written all private radio stations stopping them from airing the proceedings of the demonstrations in the interest of national security.
We, however, believe that the ban on coverage of the demonstrations is superfluous, unconstitutional and retrogressive as it takes away the right of people to access information. Sections 36 and 37 of the Republican Constitution are clear. Section 36 states:
‘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 ‘and Section 37 says: ‘… every person shall have the right of access to all information held by the state or any of its organs at any level of government in so far as such information is required for the exercise of his rights.’
These two sections recognize the relevance of access to information for people to make informed decisions. The ban on coverage of the demonstrations clearly violates these provisions and is unwarranted and imperious. We, therefore, call upon MACRA to advise broadcasters to exercise professionalism and sensitivity in broadcasting the demonstrations as provided under the Communications Act, and not issue a ban.
We also call upon the Communications Regulatory body to respect the public’s right to know and the media’s duty to provide the public with relevant, accurate and important information to make informed decisions by immediately lifting the ban.
In the same vein, we would like to appeal to Malawi Police Service to respect journalists in their line of duty. Journalists have a key responsibility to objectively report on proceedings of the demonstrations without fear or intimidation from any quarter.
We have gathered that the police have brutally beaten one Journalist, Rebecca Chimjeka of Joy Radio, who had to receive treatment at the hospital.
Apart from Chimjeka, several other journalists were among the people who were detained and whipped by Police in Lilongwe. Among the journalists is Nation Publications Limited News Analyst Kondwani Munthali. The other journalists are Leonard Sharra and Jacob Nankhonya of Blantyre Newspapers Limited; and Yvonne Sundu, Isaac Kambwiri and Nathan Majawa.
MISA Malawi condemns this action and appeals to the police to protect both civilians and journalists who are exercising their constitutional right to express themselves through peaceful demonstrations.
Journalists are citizens with full rights and they are free to cover the demonstrations as well as participate as the media is also aggrieved with the amendment of Section 46 of the Penal Code and the enactment of the infamous Injunctions Act.
We extend our support to journalists and fellow Malawians that have been victimized by the authorities, and further appeal to them to exercise caution and responsibility during these difficult times.
We would like to assure the media fraternity that MISA Malawi is taking up the issues with authorities at MACRA and the Malawi Police Service as we cannot condone what has happened today.
Post published in: Politics