BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Former president Lazarus Chakwera has expressed concern over what he describes as a worsening respect for the rule of law, following the recent arrest and detention of senior Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Gift Nankhuni, Chakwera alleges that police actions including searches, intimidation and arrests are being used selectively against opposition figures, raising questions about political motivation and adherence to due process.
He points specifically to the case of MCP Secretary General (SG) Richard Chimwendo Banda, who was detained for more than a month without charge or bail before the High Court ruled that his detention was unconstitutional.
The former Malawi leader has since appealed to civil society organisations, faith leaders, the international community and the general public to remain alert to what he characterises as growing abuse of police authority.
The statement does not clarify how Chakwera communicated his concerns to president Peter Mutharika, nor does it indicate whether any response has been received.
Malawi has in recent months witnessed heightened political tensions marked by the arrest and questioning of several opposition figures, developments that have drawn criticism from rights groups and legal experts.
The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has defended its actions, maintaining that all arrests are conducted in accordance with the law and are not influenced by political considerations.
