LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called on the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for all citizens, warning that selective application of the law threatens Malawi’s democracy.
Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa expressed concern over what he described as the continued harassment of opposition members by law enforcement agencies.
Kaiyatsa alleged that some opposition figures have been detained or arrested without clear charges, a development he said undermines constitutional rights and public trust in state institutions.
“The rule of law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation,”
“Arrests should be based on clear and lawful grounds, not intimidation.”Kaiyatsa said.
He further accused the Malawi Police Service of failing to conclude cases involving politically connected individuals, arguing that delays and selective investigations amount to betrayal of Malawians who rely on the police for protection and justice.
According to Kaiyatsa, failure to professionally handle such cases creates a perception that the law is being used as a political tool rather than a mechanism for justice.
The HRDC has since urged the government to respect human rights, ensure accountability within security institutions, and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles ahead of the upcoming political processes.
For the past five years, HRDC has stayed silent on the failures of the former regime, even as some of its members secured ambassadorial appointments.