Malawi Rights Body Urges Upholding Press Freedom, Protecting Journalists
The Commission strongly condemned threats against journalists and called on all stakeholders to unite in embracing transparency and accountability to ensure credible 2025 elections.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Malawi Human Rights Commission joined the international community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day on May 3, honoring the theme "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis", writes Winston Mwale.
In a statement, Commission Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi noted Malawi's progress in promoting freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information through implementation of the Access to Information law, the Data Protection Act and decriminalization of some sedition-related offenses.
"While these developments are a cause for celebration, and there is a need to sustain these developments, there is also a need to deeply reflect on some issues that may erode the gains," Chijozi said.
She cited the April 2024 arrest of Nation Newspaper's MacMillan Mhone over a 2023 online publication exposing a business person's dealings with the government despite corruption investigations.
"The Commission is encouraged that during his interface with the media on 2nd May 2024, the State President, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera condemned such arrests," she said.
Chijozi emphasized that freedom of the press is a fundamental right allowing journalists to report freely without censorship, as enshrined in Malawi's Constitution.
"The freedom accorded to journalists and other people in the media, allows for a space where public functionaries are held accountable and this helps to facilitate public disclosure and safeguard democracy," she said.
The Commission strongly condemned threats against journalists and called on all stakeholders to unite in embracing transparency and accountability to ensure credible 2025 elections.
"This can only be achieved if all work together to protect media independence," Chijozi said.