MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi has condemned the arrest of three journalists who went to cover the arrival of European Union delegation at Chileka International Airport yesterday afternoon.
The three journalists: Steve Zimba and Francis Chamasowa from Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Gorden Matonga of Nation Publication Limited (NPL) were arrested by the Police at the Airport for allegedly causing acts prohibited on airdrone and behaving in a disorderly manner.
Through a statement released yesterday, Misa Malawi’s Chairperson, Teresa Ndanga, said Misa Malawi is so concerned with how the Police abuse the rights of journalists in the country.
She further indicated that her organisation will engage the Malawi Police Service to arrive at a mutual consensus of regarding journalists as catalysts of development and not enemies.
Meanwhile, Nation Publication Limited Managing Editor, Ephraim Munthali, and Controller of News and Current Affairs at ZBS, Daniel Mababa, have strongly criticised the arrest of the journalists and demanded for the unconditional withdrawal of the charges.
The Police could not be drawn for a justification for the arrest.