DPP MP tells Amnesty International ‘to go to hell with rights’, says Malawi needs death penalty on albino killers
Mulanje South parliamentarian-cum-comedian Bon Kalindo popularly known as Winiko has blasted donors specifically global human rights body, Amnesty International “to go to hell” with their anti-death penalty campaign, saying Malawi needs to execute killers of people with albinism.
Kalindo, who organised a protest march to National Assembly with an aim to force the members of parliament to lift the moratorium on the death penalty, blasted the Amnesty International for dictating what Malawi should do by not implementing death penalty as doing so it shall be against right to live.
“Let me warn Amnesty International that this is not their country, to hell with their human rights issues, why should we protect criminals who are killing our sons, daughters and brothers? Do they (murder victims) don’t deserve a right to live?
“Malawi is a sovereign state and we deserve respect no one should dictate us what to do, go to hell with your money,” shouted angry Kalindo amid ululations and hand clapping from hundreds of people who joined him in the march.
Kalindo also took a swipe at local human rights bodies and activists calling them “gold diggers” who are not patriotic but love money from Western countries.
The MP who is also deputy spokesman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said “let me also warn those masquerading in town as human rights activists with your bodies that it’s time you start putting the interests of Malawians at hearts before money.”
He said only Billy Mayaya, who supported him the protests, is a true activist who really represent the interest of Malawians “not you busy dancing to the tune of donors forsaking your own people.”
Kalindo and Mayaya are asking the Parliament to ensure that death penalty which is in the Constitution must be activated in order to serve as a deterrent to others from albino attacks.
“We refuse to be swayed by the decisions made by outsiders on how the people of Malawi should run its internal affairs regarding this matter.
“We demand Parliament to lift the moratorium on the death penalty. We found it awkward that we have a clear law in place and yet we have no use of it. This is an insult to Malawians”, reads the petition in part.
It also propose the amendments be made in the Anatomy Act to sentence s, demand transparency and accountability within the police to allay allegations of corruption in handling matters related to attacks on people with albinism.
Commenting on the petition after receiving it on behalf of the Parliament, Rumphi East parliamentarian Kamlepo Kalua told the gathering that it is the general concern not only to them but to the entire House and has since promised them that the legislatures will act on it.
Commission of inquiry
Meanwhile, Mzuzu University (Mzuni) students held a peaceful demonstration and petitioned petition President Peter Mutharika to take a bold step against attacks on people with albinism.
Mzuni Student Representative Council member Wazamazama Katatu said the students want the President to institute a competent commission of inquiry that should investigate vital information on the attacks.
He said the commission should establish destination for body parts of people with albinism and why the police are failing to maintain order.
“The country should quickly develop a comprehensive action plan with clear practical strategies; otherwise, as it stands, the country is addressing petty symptoms of the crisis. Having the commission in place will show seriousness in an attempt to gather facts and possible viable options,” said Katatu.
The students also petitioned the office of the Speaker of Parliament, calling on members of parliament to “meaningfully discuss” the albinos crisis.
They want MPs to come up with “deliberate legal measures” to protect persons with albinism.
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