About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

Alerts - Malawi

---

Malawi

Arrest of human rights official part of larger crackdown

There is widespread speculation that Kapito was arrested in order to prevent him from testifying at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva at which Malawi's final human rights report will be presented as a part of the Universal Periodic Review process.

Malawi

MISA-Malawi chair receives threats over stance on media freedom

Anthony Kasunda is receiving threats from unknown persons over the MISA chapter's stance on the government's repeated attacks on the media.

Malawi

Official calls for boycott after media outlets criticise government policies

MISA is concerned that threats to withdraw advertising will threaten the vibrancy of the country's private-sector media outlets and by extension, the country's nascent democracy.

Malawi

MISA concerned about growing intolerance of media freedom

MISA has expressed deep concern over what it considers serious threats to media freedom and freedom of expression in the country.

Malawi

Information minister threatens journalist, alleges espionage within media fraternity

MISA is gravely concerned about the information minister's condescending behaviour towards journalists, coming as it does against the backdrop of a rapidly declining democratic culture in Malawi.

Malawi

New report highlights ongoing press freedom challenges, says MISA

The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation gained notoriety for serving only President Bingu wa Mutharika while shutting out other independent voices.

Malawi

Government recommends review of draconian laws

The Law Commission has been asked to review certain laws recently passed in Parliament, including Section 46 of the Penal Code, which empowers a minister to ban publications deemed unsuitable for the public good.

Malawi

Journalists must be allowed to investigate death of activist, says RSF

Robert Chasowa was found dead on the campus of Malawi University Polytechnic on 24 September in circumstances that are far from clear.

Malawi

Journalist threatened after allegedly publicising conversation involving presidential candidate

One of the threatening text messages received by Joseph Mwale said, "How dare you shame our next president? . . . We will make you a villain because you will soon die."

Malawi

Arson attacks target rights activists

Following an alleged arson attack on McDonald Sembereka's house, civil society groups have accused President Bingu wa Mutharika's administration of muzzling freedom of expression.

Malawi

Journalist arrested for photographing presidential property without permission

Ernest Mhwayo was reportedly pursuing a story about the property, which recently came under scrutiny when commentators asked the president to explain his wealth.

Malawi

Human Rights Watch calls for investigation into killings of peaceful protesters

The deaths resulted from the security forces' apparent excessive use of lethal force during largely peaceful demonstrations and some rioting on 20 and 21 July.

Malawi

Journalists beaten, detained and prevented from covering protests

The journalists were covering demonstrations organised by civil society groups to protest against fuel shortages, price hikes and a general decline in the economy, and to demand more democracy.

Malawi

Radio station vehicles attacked

Masked men were seen throwing stones and petrol bombs at the ZBS branded vehicles; sources said the attacks could be connected to the station's coverage of recent political demonstrations.

Malawi

Photojournalist roughed up at former president's memorial service

Jacob Nankhonya was manhandled by a man identified as Lawrence Mlambwaza who reportedly stopped Nankhonya from taking pictures at the memorial service and attempted to seize his camera.

Malawi

Government approves penal code amendment that threatens media freedom

According to MISA-Malawi, the amendment is inconsistent with the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

Malawi

ZBS online editor freed

Gabriel Kamlomo was acquitted of charges of "publishing false information likely to cause public alarm".

Malawi

Court injunction allows newspaper group to continue publishing "The Weekend Times" pending judicial review

The ban on "The Weekend Times" was based on the fact that the paper was not registered with the National Archives of Malawi in line with the Printed Publications Act.

Malawi

Publication and circulation of newspaper banned by National Archives

According to reports broadcast on various radio stations, the ban was issued because the paper is not registered with the National Archives of Malawi.

Malawi

President threatens to close newspapers that "lie"

President Bingu wa Mutharika threatened to shut down newspapers that "tarnish" his government's image, according to news reports.

Malawi

Sentence against gay couple appalling, says ARTICLE 19

Steven Monjenza and Towonge Chimbalanga were found guilty of "gross indecency" and "unnatural acts" and condemned to 14 years of hard labour.

Malawi

State-controlled broadcaster bans local artist's music

The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has banned the latest album by musician Lucius Banda from enjoying airplay on the station's airwaves.

Malawi

Two individuals arrested for allegedly operating illegal radio station, face heavy fine or possible imprisonment

Police in the Kasungu district have arrested two men on suspicion that they were operating a radio station without a licence.

Malawi

Court reserves ruling on editor's case

A decision on the case of editor Gabriel Kamlomo, who was accused of broadcasting false information likely to cause public fear and alarm, has been postponed until 22 December 2009.

Malawi

Court orders regulatory authority to compensate Joy Radio

The communications regulatory authority has been ordered to pay Joy Radio US$98,000 for loss of business while the station was forcibly closed.

Malawi

Radio presenters acquitted in election coverage lawsuit

A court ruled that two Joy Radio presenters did not have to answer to charges of breaking election rules.

Malawi

Police harass journalists photographing demolition

Armed police officers harassed two senior journalists for taking photos of city council workers torching unlicensed vending stalls.

Malawi

Private radio station demands Parliament speaker disclose MPs' assets

A private broadcaster is demanding that the National Assembly speaker disclose details of members of Parliament who have declared their assets.

Malawi

Editor arrested, released on bail

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 July 2009 Malawi's police in the capital, Lilongwe, arrested Gabriel Kamlomo, editor for Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), a privately-owned radio station. Kamlomo is accused of misleading a police officer and causing public alarm by broadcasting what the police say is an alleged false murder case. The following day, the Lilongwe Magistrates' Court granted bail to Kamlomo.

Malawi

Radio station resumes operations

Court orders police off a radio station, allowing it to go back on air.

Malawi

Radio station shut down, staff arrested following election coverage

Reporters Without Borders expressed its concern after the 19 May 2009 closure of privately owned opposition radio station Joy Radio and the arrest of four staff members, two of them journalists, accused of breaking election rules

Malawi

Closure of Mzimba Community Radio Station likely politically motivated, says MISA

(MISA/IFEX) - On 25 February 2009, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has temporarily closed Mzimba Community Radio Station, based in the northern part of the country, on grounds that the station did not comply with the regulatory body's rules and regulations as stipulated in the Communications Act.

Malawi

Radio station wins case against regulatory body

(MISA/IFEX) - The Malawi High Court has declared that the decision by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to revoke Joy Radio's license was unconstitutional, ultra vires and unreasonable, effectively dismissing all cases that MACRA had brought against the private radio station. According to this ruling, it means there is no case between Joy Radio and MACRA.

Malawi

Joy Radio allowed to resume broadcasting

(MISA/IFEX) - Joy Radio station resumed broadcasting on 16 December 2008, 30 days after the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) revoked its broadcasting license for non-compliance with the Communications Act and its licence agreement.

Malawi

Police stop march in support of Joy Radio, station authorities appeal to Supreme Court over revoked license

(MISA/IFEX) - On 26 November 2008, police stopped a march by concerned listeners of Joy Radio who wanted to deliver a petition to the district commissioner calling for the radio station to be allowed to go back on air.

Malawi

Charges against journalist dismissed

(MISA/IFEX) - The Magistrate's Court in Lilongwe acquitted Nation Publications journalist Maxwell Ng'ambi of the charge of providing false information to a public officer. Ng'ambi was arrested on 17 May 2008 at Maula Prison where he was suspected of planning to interview a former speaker and minister of education, Sam Mpasu, who is serving a jail term.

Malawi

Radio station shut down for a second time

(MISA/IFEX) - The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has shut down Joy Radio for the second time after the High Court in Blantyre lifted an injunction the radio station obtained on 17 October 2008. The injunction restrained MACRA from closing the station on accusations of breaching licence conditions, failing to comply with the provisions of the Communications Act and for effectively transferring its ownership into the hands of politicians.

Malawi

Journalists threatened with arrest for non-cooperation with anti-corruption body

(MISA/IFEX) - The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has warned that it will soon start arresting journalists who make corruption allegations but refuse to cooperate during investigations, on charges of obstructing justice and hiding evidence. On 6 November 2008, ACB Director Alex Nampota said the bureau has been unable to investigate many alleged corruption cases published or broadcast in the media because reporters have not been forthcoming with information to help during investigations.

Malawi

Radio station resumes broadcasting following suspension of its licence

(MISA/IFEX) - Joy Radio Station, which had its broadcasting licence suspended on 17 October 2008, has resumed broadcasting after a High Court injunction preventing the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) from revoking its licence.

Malawi

Immigration authorities search Joy Radio station, threaten to deport manager over critical coverage

(MISA/IFEX) - On 10 July 2008 immigration authorities raided Joy Radio premises, searching for foreigners allegedly employed by the station. The incident happened barely a day after State House Press Officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi warned the station against what he termed "embarking on a disinformation crusade, airing libellous and slanderous programmes and playing derogatory songs" against President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Malawi

Journalist removed from media tour of China on instructions of Malawi information ministry

(MISA/IFEX) - The Chinese Embassy in Malawi has removed Wisdom Chimgwede, Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) editor, from the list of journalists travelling to China on a media tour it sponsored after receiving instructions from Malawi's Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The visit is slated to begin on 21 June 2008. The ministry had earlier on accused the journalist of writing negatively about the government.

Malawi

Former minister warns media not to report on allegations of his misconduct while in office

(MISA/IFEX) - On 10 June 2008, former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Bazuka Mhango, who is also a Member of Parliament, warned the media not to report on allegations levelled against him by fellow parliamentarian Ibrahim Matola.

Malawi

Radio station harassed by regulatory body, state broadcasters threatened with denial of funding over political content

(MISA/IFEX) - The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has summoned Joy Radio Limited, owned by former President Bakili Muluzi, and the state broadcasters Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Television Malawi (TVM) for breaching the Broadcasting Services Code of Conduct.

Malawi

Official intimidates reporter seeking information on police action

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 June 2008, Machinga District Commissioner (DC) Lawrence Makonokaya mistreated Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) correspondent Wyford Banda. The incident occurred when the latter sought the DC's comments on the arrest of people involved in a fight with the police over participation in the Malawi Housing and Population Census. It took place at around 6:00 p.m. (local time) at the Ntaja police station, situated in the southern district of Machinga.

Malawi

Two journalists arrested, one beaten by police

(MISA/IFEX) - Journalist Maxwell Ng'ambi was arrested by police on suspicion that he intended to interview a former speaker of parliament and cabinet minister, Sam Mpasu, from prison without permission to do so.

Malawi

Journalist arrested, briefly detained, his photographs confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - A journalist working for Blantyre Newspapers Limited was arrested on 12 March 2008 and detained by the Police in Mzuzu for taking pictures of a group of people that had gathered outside offices of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), after a police officer was arrested.

Malawi

Journalist and managing editor charged with "publishing false news"

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has condemned charges laid against Mike Chipalasa, of the privately-owned "Daily Times", and its managing editor, James Mphande, for "publishing false news likely to lead to a breach of public order".

Malawi

Joy TV station ordered to stop broadcasting

(MISA/IFEX) - On 29 October 2007, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) ordered Joy TV to immediately stop all television broadcasts until the station is issued appropriate radio and broadcasting licenses.

Malawi

Opposition-dominated Parliament cuts funding to public broadcasters over claims they are used as propaganda tools by government

(MISA/IFEX) - On 11 September 2007, Parliament passed its K173 billion (approx. US$670 million) annual national budget with an allocation of only K1 (approx. US$.01) each for the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Television Malawi (TVM), for their 2007/2008 financial year.

Malawi

High Court nullifies improperly-appointed communications regulatory board

(MISA/IFEX) - On 13 July 2007, the High Court in Blantyre nullified the composition of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) board because its members did not qualify for appointment.

1 2 3 4