Zomba City Council Blocks HRDC from Holding Demonstrations

Zomba City Council has denied the Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC) permission to hold demonstrations in the city.

In a statement seen by Faceofmalawi reporter, Zomba City Council has denied HRDC the permission to hold demonstration in the city for a number of a number of reasons.

According to the statement, the council was not notified of the any demonstrations beyond July 19.

“You did not submit to the council regarding the impending demonstrations. We reiterate the letter dated 18 July on the matter granted you permission to conduct demonstrations solely on 19 July but not beyond,” reads part of the statement.

The council has also rejected the request by HRDC to conduct vigils at the state residence saying it is violation of section 103 of the police act since it is a protected area.

“Your intentions to hold vigils or deliver a petition at the state residences is a violation of section 103 of the police act since state residences are protected places in so far as demonstrations are concerned.

Meanwhile, HRDC is seeking legal redress in court.