Mutharika intimidating journalists is unacceptable, Media Council of Malawi pens President

The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) has written President Peter Mutharika to protests his conduct for attempting to intimidate journalists, which the council said was unacceptable and dangerous to democracy.

According to the letter dated 28 October, 2016 and signed by  MCM Executive Director Vales Machila, Mutharika should know how, where and when to present his grievances he has toward a journalist or media station.

The letter says it shocked to see President Mutharika attacking journalists or media stations at the political campaign rally.

“We are asking you the President to be on forefront respecting and protecting the rights of journalists in the country. We have seen you attacking journalists or media stations in different political rallies you have been holding since you returned from America,” reads part of the letter.

“Such kind of behavior is putting the lives of journalists at threat and intimidating them. If you have problems with them or even any media station find better means and not the way you are doing,” it added.

MCM also remind the President to follow the means that it advised him concerning the media or seek knowledge from his office

Bright Molande the Director of Communications at State House confirmed the letter has been but declined to comment on the matter.