Malawi Law Society Makes A U-Turn; Condemns Violation of Human Rights

The controversial Malawi Law Society (MLS) has made a U-turn on its earlier remarks regarding the arrest of three Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) leaders, as it has condemned the arrests describing it violation of human rights.

Earlier, MLS defended Malawi police over the arrest of Timothy Mtambo, Gift Trapence and Mac Donald Sembereka few hours after President Peter Mutharika threatened to use necessary forces against the grouping.

MLS president Burton Mhango said planning to do a crime is a crime, adding that what HRDC planned to seal state houses was a crime since it is a well-protected place.

Over these remarks, MLS invited different reactions from people other describing it ‘Malawi Low Society’

In a press statement made available to Face of Malawi Reporter MLS has shared another point of view as the society has condemned the arrests of the HRDC leaders.

In the statement signed by the society’s president Burton Mhango and Secretary Martha Kaukonde said the immediate arrest of the human rights defenders is a clearly significance that the police is not independent.

“The political sentiments and immediate arrest of the two clearly reflects political interference by the state in the operations of and lack of independence the Malawi Police,” reads part of the statement.

The statement continues by condemning political interference in the operations of the police, hence calling an immediate and unconditional release of the two human rights activists.

“The Law Society therefore, unreservedly condemns this political interference in the operation of the Malawi Police and calls upon the Malawi police to immediately release the two and act independently and professionally,” reads the statement.

The Society further distanced itself from earlier remarks.