Authoritarian governments regularly attack the media – blaming the messenger for their own governance failings. The increasingly repressive administration of Bingu wa Mutharika in Malawi is no different. Having long publicly criticised the media and passed an odious law that allows the minister of information to close down any media house that is not reporting ‘in the national interest’, the authorities went further during the demonstrations last week and actively targeted reporters – harassing, beating and detaining journalists from a host of private media organisations.
The Malawi chapter of the Media Institute of southern Africa has compiled this shocking list:
BLANTYRE NEWSPAPERS LIMITED
Jacob Nankhonya – beaten
Kingsley Jasi – badly beaten, arrested and later released without charge
Leornard Shara – beaten
CAPITAL RADIO
Isaac Kambwiri – badly beaten
FREELANCERS
Chancy Namadzunda – beaten
Collins Mtika – beaten and arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
Elijah Phimbi – beaten for no cause
George Thawe – beaten
Vitima Ndovi – beaten, arrested and charged with arson
GUARDIAN PUBLICATIONS LIMITED
Emmanuel Simpokolwe – harassed and beaten
Promise Kamanga – harassed
JOY RADIO
Enock Balakasi – beaten
George Mkandawire – beaten
Rebecca Chimjeka – beaten
MIJ FM
Anthony Masamba – beaten
Yvonnie Sundu – beaten
NATION PUBLICATIONS LIMITED
Amos Gumulira – badly beaten
Anthony Kasunda – harassed
Kondwani Munthali – beaten and camera confiscated
POWER 101 FM
Nathan Majawa – beaten
RADIO ISLAM
Angella Banda – beaten
STAR RADIO
Vincent Khonje – harassed
Wilson Henry – harassed
ZODIAK BROADCASTING STATION
Emmanuel Chibwana – harassed
Winston Mwale – harassed
