Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament George Chaponda has described Police silence on attacks of peaceful demonstrators not just negligence, but complicity.
In a statement made available to us Chaponda said the action sends a message that lawlessness is not only tolerated but protected by the very institutions that should be upholding the law.
Led by Sylvester Namiwa, the demonstrators, who had gathered at Lilongwe Community Ground to express their displeasure with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), were brutally attacked by machete-wielding individuals in full view of officers from the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force, who failed to intervene.
Furthermore, vehicles belonging to the protesters were set ablaze, escalating the threat to life, property, and the democratic right to dissent.
“We expresses deep concem and strong condemnation over the continued acts of political thuggery and state-sponsored intimidation that have now become a recurring feature of Malawi’s democratic space.
“This marks nearly the fifth time that organized violence has been unleashed against citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble and express themselves, Worse still the Malawi Police Service has remained completely silent on this violence.
“No public statement has been issued. No arrests have been made. The thugs widely believed to be aligned with the ruling Mabwi Congress Party, continue to terrorize Malawians with apparent immunity.
“It is therefore not surprising that our nation is plunging deeper into a state of insecurity. In recent weeks, Malawians have witnessed a disturbing rise in violent crimes, including killings in Lilongwe and other parts of the country,” he said
Chaponda wondered how can ordinary people feel safe in their homes or communities when police is standing by idly as citizens are attacked in broad daylight.
“We ask: Where is the leadership of the Malawi Police Service? Where is their duty to protect Malawians without fear or favour?” he asked
Chaponda has demanded for an immediate public explanation from the Inspector General of Police regarding the failure to stop the violence and arrest the perpetrators and urgent arrest and prosecution of all those involved in disrupting the demonstrations and assaulting activists.
He has further demanded for an assurance from govemment that the right to peaceful protest will be respected and protected going forward. Democracy cannot thrive under intimidation.
“If the police choose to watch while citizens are brutalized, they will be remembered not as enforcers of law and order, but as silent enablers of tyranny” He said
