LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s parliament is facing scrutiny over alleged double standards in the treatment of two Members of Parliament, Sameer Suleman and Moses.
Lawyer Bob Chimkango has raised concerns over the selective application of parliamentary immunity, highlighting the case of Suleman, who was detained overnight despite having parliamentary immunity.
Suleman, the current Speaker of Parliament, handed himself over to the police on January 6, 2025, after a warrant of arrest was issued against him for allegedly making defamatory statements about fellow legislators, Richard Chimwendo Banda, Steve Malondera, and Homeland Affairs Minister, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma.
The statements were made during a podcast interview, and Suleman was accused of libel, contrary to Section 200 of the Malawi Penal Code.
Despite presenting evidence of his parliamentary immunity, Suleman was taken to Blantyre Police Station and locked up, with police officers stating that committee meetings are not considered sittings of the National Assembly.
Chimkango, Suleman’s attorney, called two legal counsel from National Police Headquarters, who seemed unsympathetic to their situation.
The incident raises questions about the motivations behind Suleman’s arrest, with some alleging it was politically motivated.
Chimkango argues that the police’s actions were unjustified, given Suleman’s parliamentary immunity.
The Clerk of Parliament has now issued a memorandum reminding the police of Moses’ immunity, sparking concerns over double standards. Chimkango asks if the laws have changed or if Moses is considered more of an MP than Suleman.
This incident highlights the need for clarity on parliamentary immunity and the importance of upholding the rule of law in Malawi.
