(MISA/IFEX) – On 20 May 2004, police arrested Capital Radio 102.5 FM reporter George Kalungwe on charges of “publishing false news likely to cause alarm among the public”. Kalungwe’s arrest came as Malawians went to the polls to elect a new president and Parliament, amid speculation that the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) was likely […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 20 May 2004, police arrested Capital Radio 102.5 FM reporter George Kalungwe on charges of “publishing false news likely to cause alarm among the public”.
Kalungwe’s arrest came as Malawians went to the polls to elect a new president and Parliament, amid speculation that the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) was likely to rig votes using government-owned equipment.
Capital Radio managing director Alaudin Osman told MISA-Malawi that on 19 May, Kalungwe ran a news item alleging that one Chief Mmbelwa was found with ballot papers when he crossed a police roadblock in northern Malawi. Osman said that although his reporter got the tip from reliable sources, the story turned out to be untrue and the station retracted it in its entirety.
“We ran an apology and I personally apologised to the chief and he accepted,” said Osman.
Osman said police stormed the radio station at 6:00 p.m. (local time) on 20 May and sent for Kalungwe, purportedly to record a statement. He was later locked up.
Kalungwe’s lawyer, Charles Mhango, told MISA-Malawi that he was trying to obtain bail for the reporter. “It is a minor offence, but we still need to protect his reputation as a journalist,” said Mhango.
