DPP MPs attack reporters at Parliament, MISA Malawi fires warning shots

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has condemned Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliaments for attacking Journalists covering proceedings of the National Assembly.

In the afternoon of Tuesday, February 18, 2020, some Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) MPs created a hostile environment for journalists at the Parliament Building in Lilongwe and barred the media from interviewing Leader of the House Honourable Kondwani Nankhumwa.

The MPs led Blantyre City South East Honourable Sameer Suleman blocked Journalists from intervewing Nankhumwa accusing them of being spies for the opposition and Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).

The MPs went further by accusing some female journalists of dating opposition Members of Parliament.

But MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga trashed DPP MPs, describing their conduct as uncalled for.

“We are specifically appalled by the utterances made by MP for Blantyre City South East Honourable Sameer Suleman who was recorded saying ‘if given a chance he would slap the journalists’. Honourable Suleman actually charged at some female journalists but was restrained by Minister of Homeland Security Nicholas Dausi.

“MISA Malawi finds it unfortunate that some MPs are in the forefront victimizing journalists right inside the building where laws of this country are made. We expect lawmakers to respect the laws and fully understand that the Republican Constitution guarantees media freedom,” reads in part the statement.

She added: “Malawi Parliament is in the process of taking Parliament to the people and the media has been key in that process. It is therefore appalling to see some MPs treating journalists as criminals and journalism as a crime.”

Effort to talk to DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi proved futile on the matter.