MISA-Malawi Chapter Appeals to Politicians’ to Safeguard Rights of Journalists When Covering Political Rallies

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has called on political parties to safeguard safety and rights of journalists when covering political rallies.

The remarks come after a couple of journalists were subjected to political violence as the country prepares for the fresh presidential polls.

Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Times Group reporters were recently caught up in acts of political violence when thugs on May 29 attacked a Tonse Alliance convoy in Phalombe.

On Saturday, May 30, another group of hooligans assaulted Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) journalists with metal bars at Mponela in Dowa.

MISA-Malawi said in a statement signed by Chairperson Teresa Ndanga that the institute expects the perpetrators to be arrested as soon as possible.

Ndanga further advised media houses to continuously assess risks before sending reporters on an assignment.

The institute said it was directly engaging political party leaders to urge them to commit to ending political violence and protecting journalists during and after the election.

MISA is also engaging the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to take serious steps in addressing the