Opposition to repeal laws that restrict free speech in Malawi

Opposition leaders on Sunday took turns to protest against the continued arrest of ordinary people for simply criticising President Peter Mutharika and his government, saying the law is dictatorial, archaic and must be struck off.

Malawi Congress Party president Lazarus Chakwera, Aford leader Enoch Chihana, Mafunde president George Mnesa and PPM president Mark Katsonga all spoke strongly against the police heavy handedness in swiftly arresting ordinary Malawians for simply expressing their opinion on the presidency and the government.

This follows the arrest of two people recently in Lilongwe and Machinga for allegedly insulting President Peter Mutharika.

Chihana promised the people that he would table in the next meeting of parliament a private member’s bill to struck off the Act from the law books.

“In democracy, it is not proper for police to arrest people just because they are criticising Mutharika or his government. After all, criticising the president or government is the whole essence of democracy,” said Chihana.

MCP partnered with the smaller parties to hold the rally at Nyambadwe ground whilst Peoples Party had a parallel rally at Makhetha all in Blantyre.

MCP and PP held joint rallies until last week in Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

PP publicist Ken Msonda said the party learnt of the MCP rally after it had already organised its rally therefore it was difficult to cancel it to join the MCP.

MCP and PP are political bedfellows in Parliament.