HRCC Condemns Rising Abuse Of Social Media, Warns Of Threats To Judiciary, Public Trust, And Rule Of Law In Malawi

In a strongly worded statement, the Human Rights Conservative Committee (HRCC) has condemned the growing abuse of social media in Malawi, accusing some users—particularly on Facebook—of launching sustained attacks against members of the judiciary, public officials, civil society leaders, faith leaders, and business figures without any verified basis.

HRCC Chairperson, Robert Mkwezalamba, expressed deep concern over what he described as a dangerous trend of reckless digital conduct. He cited the unauthorized live-streaming and recording of court proceedings, cross-border publication of allegations aimed at evading accountability, and the rise in persistent public accusations that are not formally reported to relevant authorities. He further warned of alleged cases of extortion linked to such unverified claims.

According to Mkwezalamba, the misuse of court processes—particularly the illegal broadcasting of proceedings—undermines both procedural integrity and the dignity of the courts. “The misuse of social media to spread unverified allegations fosters a trial by public opinion, undermining due process and natural justice,” he said. “Public scrutiny is vital, but reckless or false statements may constitute actionable defamation.”

Flanked by five other human rights activists, Mkwezalamba noted that HRCC is increasingly concerned about individuals making serious allegations from outside Malawi, deliberately positioning themselves beyond the reach of local accountability mechanisms while still shaping public discourse within the country.

“As HRCC, we have formally engaged key justice institutions, including the judiciary, the Human Rights Commission, the Attorney General, Homeland Security, and the Inspector General of Police,” he said. “We are urging relevant authorities to take decisive action to address the misuse of social media and the abuse of digital platforms.”

The organization has since called for the immediate cessation of public allegations unless they are supported by formal and comprehensive investigations. It has also urged Malawians to exercise critical judgment when confronted with widespread claims circulating online and to reject any form of extortion targeting individuals.

In his concluding remarks, Mkwezalamba emphasized that HRCC’s position is not aimed at suppressing constitutional freedoms, but at safeguarding their responsible use. “This is not about limiting freedom of expression,” he said. “It is about ensuring that such freedoms are exercised responsibly, grounded in truth, evidence, and respect for the rule of law.”

He warned that if left unchecked, the rise in reckless digital accusations risks eroding public trust in institutions, undermining the justice system, and normalizing impunity in online discourse. HRCC has therefore called for urgent intervention to safeguard judicial and institutional integrity, enforce accountability, and uphold Malawi’s democratic principles.

Meanwhile, another human rights activist, Fryson Chodzi, challenged Malawians to strike a careful balance between freedom of expression and responsibility. Alfred Munika, on his part, called on those spreading unverified allegations to substantiate their claims with credible evidence.