Journalist threatened after allegedly publicising conversation involving presidential candidate
One of the threatening text messages received by Joseph Mwale said, “How dare you shame our next president? . . . We will make you a villain because you will soon die.”
Arson attacks target rights activists
Following an alleged arson attack on McDonald Sembereka’s house, civil society groups have accused President Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration of muzzling freedom of expression.
Journalist arrested for photographing presidential property without permission
Ernest Mhwayo was reportedly pursuing a story about the property, which recently came under scrutiny when commentators asked the president to explain his wealth.
Human Rights Watch calls for investigation into killings of peaceful protesters
The deaths resulted from the security forces’ apparent excessive use of lethal force during largely peaceful demonstrations and some rioting on 20 and 21 July.
Journalists beaten, detained and prevented from covering protests
The journalists were covering demonstrations organised by civil society groups to protest against fuel shortages, price hikes and a general decline in the economy, and to demand more democracy.
Radio station vehicles attacked
Masked men were seen throwing stones and petrol bombs at the ZBS branded vehicles; sources said the attacks could be connected to the station’s coverage of recent political demonstrations.
Photojournalist roughed up at former president’s memorial service
Jacob Nankhonya was manhandled by a man identified as Lawrence Mlambwaza who reportedly stopped Nankhonya from taking pictures at the memorial service and attempted to seize his camera.
ARTICLE 19 calls for review of penal code amendment
ARTICLE 19 outlines its main concerns with the controversial legislation and calls on the government to protect freedom of expression.
Government approves penal code amendment that threatens media freedom
According to MISA-Malawi, the amendment is inconsistent with the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
ZBS online editor freed
Gabriel Kamlomo was acquitted of charges of “publishing false information likely to cause public alarm”.
Court injunction allows newspaper group to continue publishing “The Weekend Times” pending judicial review
The ban on “The Weekend Times” was based on the fact that the paper was not registered with the National Archives of Malawi in line with the Printed Publications Act.
Publication and circulation of newspaper banned by National Archives
According to reports broadcast on various radio stations, the ban was issued because the paper is not registered with the National Archives of Malawi.
MISA statement on the state of the media and freedom of expression
MISA is appealing to the current administration to champion media freedom in Malawi and to regard the media as partners in development.
President threatens to close newspapers that “lie”
President Bingu wa Mutharika threatened to shut down newspapers that “tarnish” his government’s image, according to news reports.
Sentence against gay couple appalling, says ARTICLE 19
Steven Monjenza and Towonge Chimbalanga were found guilty of “gross indecency” and “unnatural acts” and condemned to 14 years of hard labour.
State-controlled broadcaster bans local artist’s music
The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has banned the latest album by musician Lucius Banda from enjoying airplay on the station’s airwaves.