UTM apologizes over assaults of Journalists in Lilongwe

United Transformation Movement (UTM) has apologized to Journalists who were assaulted during a fracas between the party supporters and youth posing as youths of the party at Press Conference held at Lilongwe LEA School on Friday.

A group claiming to be UTM youths invited the media to condemn the airport and border demonstrations organized by Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC).

But the media briefing ended prematurely as legitimate UTM supporters led by former Member of Parliament for Salima Jessie Kabwila invaded the venue and beat up organisers and harrassed journalists who were covering the event.

Journalists were told to delete all the footage captured during the fracas or risk being beaten severely.

In a statement released on Sunday UTM Publicity Secretary Joseph Chadanti Malunga condemned the assaults of Journalists in the line of duty.

Malunga said the party is investigating the attack and the perpetrators will face the law.

“UTM would like to register its profound regret over the unfortunate incident that took place on Friday, August 23, 2019 at Lilongwe LEA school where Journalists were caught in the crossfire in the fracas between our members and some mercenaries who intended to hold an ill-advised press conference at the venue.

“UTM would like to assure all Malawians, in general, and all journalists, in particular, that it remains committed to freedom of the press and all the other Freedom enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi. We would , therefore, like to apologize to journalists who were harassed in any way and assure them that the party will see to it that such unfortunate incidents do not happen again in future,” said Malunga in the statement.

Meanwhile MISA Malawi Chairperson Tereza Ndanga has urged Journalists in the country to shun all events that organisers does not priotise their safety.