Malawi Must End Attacks on Journalists Before 2025 Vote
Some analysts have raised concerns about media freedom in Malawi under current President Lazarus Chakwera's administration.
Lilongwe, Malawi - As Malawi prepares for general elections in 2025, press groups are urging the country's government to end impunity for crimes against journalists, writes Winston Mwale.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa-Malawi said police have failed to arrest or prosecute attackers in cases like the assault of a Times Group photojournalist by ruling party supporters.
"We call for an end to such impunity as failure to arrest and prosecute those who attack journalists in the line of duty fuels crimes of similar nature," MISA-Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said Thursday in a statement for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
Matonga said more journalists were attacked during Malawi's last general election in 2019.
"For the media to safely and freely cover the next elections, Malawi needs to develop and implement systems that safeguard journalism," he said.
Some analysts have raised concerns about media freedom in Malawi under current President Lazarus Chakwera's administration.
The country is set to hold presidential, parliamentary, and local elections in 2025.