MISA Malawi Condemns Online Harassment Targeting Journalist Cathy Maulidi

The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) has condemned a wave of online harassment and intimidation targeting journalists, including Times Group reporter Cathy Maulidi.

The attacks reportedly intensified after Maulidi reporting on conditions at State House following the transition of power from President Lazarus Chakwera to President Peter Mutharika. MISA Malawi described the harassment as “a direct threat to media freedom and democracy,” emphasizing that no credible sources have disputed the factual accuracy of her reports.

In a letter signed by MISA Malawi’s Chairperson’s chairperson Golden Matonga,  expressed concern over similar attacks against journalists at the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), where staff have been unfairly labelled as political sympathizers. The organisation noted that online harassment has included breaches of personal privacy, such as sharing private property images to intimidate journalists.

The group warned that such online abuse could escalate into physical attacks, citing recent incidents involving Malenga Chienda of Times Newspaper and Robert Edward of Luntha TV, who were reportedly forced to leave public events for their safety.

“MISA Malawi calls on political actors, their supporters, and the public to refrain from actions that undermine media freedom or threaten journalists’ safety,” the statement read. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to defending journalists’ rights under Section 36 of the Constitution, which guarantees press freedom and access to information.