Malawi Law Society Cautions Police Chief Over Threat to Right to Demonstrate
Published on May 21, 2025 at 3:30 PM by Edgar Naitha
The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has issued a strong caution to the Inspector General of Police, Merlin Yolamu, against any move to withdraw citizens’ right to demonstrate.
MLS President McHarven Ngwata emphasized that the right to demonstrate is enshrined in the Constitution, the supreme law of the land.
Ngwata made the remarks during the ongoing all-inclusive meeting organized by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) in Blantyre, where various stakeholders are deliberating on national issues.
His comments come in response to earlier statements made by Inspector General Yolamu at the same forum. Yolamu warned that demonstrations posing threats to peace and security would not be permitted by the police.
“The right to demonstrate will be withdrawn if there are threats,” Yolamu stated firmly. She further stressed, “If you say there will be a total shutdown or there will be bloodshed, that demonstration won’t happen!”
In response, Ngwata underscored the legal boundaries that guide law enforcement, reminding the police that any attempt to infringe upon constitutional rights must be done within the confines of the law.
