By Watipaso Mzungu:
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called on the Malawi Police Service to investigate threats and attacks against Counsel Alexious Kamangila and his family.
Kamangila, a vocal critic of alleged corruption within the Malawi Judiciary, has been subjected to threats and online attacks, which HRDC says are an attempt to intimidate and silence human rights defenders in Malawi.
“HRDC reiterates that all individuals engaged in legitimate civic action, including efforts aimed at promoting integrity within public institutions, are entitled to carry out their work free from intimidation, harassment, or undue interference,” said Michael Kaiyatsa, HRDC Chairperson, and Kelvin Chirwa, National Coordinator, in a statement issued on Thursday.
The coalition notes that the broader environment within which human rights defenders are operating, particularly when engaging with sensitive issues relating to governance, accountability, and integrity within public institutions, is worrisome.
HRDC has urged the Malawi Human Rights Commission to take all appropriate steps to ensure that human rights defenders are able to carry out their work free from intimidation or harassment.
“We urge all stakeholders to recognize that defending human rights and promoting integrity in public institutions is a legitimate and necessary part of democratic governance, and must not be obstructed,” said HRDC.
The organization has also called on the international community to support efforts aimed at safeguarding human rights defenders in Malawi.
