Times Group Photographer Emmanuel Simpokolwe assaulted by protesters in Lilongwe, MISA Malawi reacts

The Media Institute of Southern Africa –MISA Malawi Chapter has condemned the assault of Times Group cameraperson Emmanuel Simpokolwe by some demonstrators in the capital Lilongwe.

On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, some demonstrators stopped Times Group vehicle and beat up Simpokolwe in their attempt to stop the crew from covering the demonstrations.

In a statement seen by this publication MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga has condemned the act and has asked the law enforcers to act on the matter.

“MISA Malawi respects every person’s freedom of assembly but does not condone any violent demonstrations and assault of journalists on duty.

“What the demonstrators did is a violation of media freedom and the right to access information. Such barbaric behaviour has the potential to shrink the space for a free press,” said Ndanga.

She added: “We call on police to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to book.

“MISA Malawi urges all those participating in demonstrations to vigilantly guard freedom of assembly by demonstrating peacefully.”

Meanwhile, the Malawi Police Service has arrested over 70 people including organizers of the said demonstrations.