Death of protester on remand saddens HRDC

Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) says it is saddened and shocked with the death of Justin Phiri, a protester who was allegedly roughed up by Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers last week during the anti-Jane Ansah demonstrations.

It is reported that Phiri died on Tuesday at the Mzuzu Central Hospital.

However, other reports indicate that he died while in police custody before he was taken to the hospital.

He was among the protesters that were arrested during last week’s march protests and was transferred from Karonga to Mzuzu to be remanded at Mzuzu Prison awaiting court appearance.

According to acting National Chairperson for HRDC Happy Mhango, the incident will bring joy to the oppressors.

“It is unfortunate that we have lost one of us. This should be the happiest day for oppressors because that’s what they wanted. It is sad that we are in a situation where people are losing lives because they demand electoral justice questioning credibility of elections” he is quoted by The Nation Newspaper.

However, Mhango said they will not peddle back in their quest to see Jane Ansah stepping down as MEC Chairperson.

“We are saying even though we have lost one of own, we will not relent until we see electoral justice in this country” said Mhango.

Meanwhile, family members have engaged a lawyer in search of justice to what led to the cause of Phiri’s death.

The family members have also stopped police and hospital authorities from conducting postmortem on Justin’s body and revealed through their Lawyer Brecious Kondowe that they will engage an independent expert.

About 10 MDF soldiers and over 20 civilians got injured during the fracas between the two sides.

It was reported that the battle started after the protesters threw stones at the soldiers.

Meanwhile, MDF Commander General Vincent Nundwe has bemoaned the tendency of attacking soldiers.

Nundwe said the soldiers are always there to protect the people and ensure there is tight security.