‘Open State Houses for Protesters’ – Analysts

Following the move made by Lilongwe City Council (LCC) to block Human rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) from holding vigils at state residence, political analysts have cautioned the council saying they is violating their rights.

The analysts have however said that State House has to open all state residence for the peaceful protesters, saying it is not only their right to demonstrate in such places but the residence belong to them.

Political analyst George Phiri of the Livingstonia Synod said it was the right thing for the protesters to demonstrate right away at the state residence.

He also added that it is pitiful how innocent people are the victims of the protest.

“Innocent people have lost their properties yet the targets are safe,” Phiri said.

Concurring with Phiri, another political analyst Ernest Thindwa from the University of Malawi said Malawians have the right to protest in the fence of Kamuzu palace and other state residence.

“Malawians own those places. Let them demonstrate wherever they want to demonstrate, it is their right” said Thindwa
Meanwhile, HRDC vice chairperson Gift Trapence has said protesters will ignore the LCC advice on Thursday saying the peaceful protesters will go right into fence of Kamuzu palace.