GOVT CONDEMNS THE ASSAULT OF BNL JOURNALIST BY POLICE

The Malawi Government through Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa has strongly condemned the recent assault and detention of Blantyre Newspapers Limited journalist Mr. Archibald Kasakura by Police officers in Limbe.

Kasakura was roughed-up and arrested on Tuesday as he was taking pictures of police chasing vendors in Limbe.

Later in the afternoon Kasasakura was released on bail after BNL lawyer Innocent Kalua went to intervene on the matter.

In the statement, Government says it will make sure that all perpetrators into the beating of Kasakura are brought to book.

“Government wishes to express its sympathies to Mr. Kasakura and the Blantyre Newspapers Limited in respect of these despicable acts, and would wish to provide the assurance that the perpetrators will be brought to book and face the full extent of the law. There is nothing that justifies the victimization of journalists in a civilized society.

Government wishes to assure the media in Malawi they are and must be free to discharge their duties without fear or favour; let or hindrance. In the same context, enemies of the media, regardless of their status or standing in society, must stand warned that they will not be tolerated or left scot-free when they commit media violations”, reads in part the statement.

The condemnation from the government comes barely house after Media Institute for Southern Africa (Misa) Chairperson Anthony Kasunda also issued its condemnation and promised to get to the bottom of the matter.