By Staff Reporter
LILONGWE (Maravipost)- Human rights advocate Agape Khombe has criticized the state for the arrest of Chimwendo before concluding investigations, describing the move as a violation of democratic principles and due process.
Speaking in an interview with Maravipost on Thursday, Khombe, who is the Executive Director of Citizens for Justice and Equity, said the state acted prematurely by detaining the suspect without first establishing the specific crime to be charged.
“The state is to blame for arresting Chimwendo before advancing investigations that would determine what offence the suspect would face,” Khombe said.
“Detention without trial is a grey area in a democratic regime, which must be anchored in human rights, the rule of law, and popular governance.”
Khombe further praised the judiciary for upholding constitutional values, saying the court’s ruling in favor of the detained suspect reaffirmed the protection of fundamental human rights.
“I commend the judiciary for ruling in favor of the human rights of the detained,” he added, noting that such decisions strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
The case has sparked renewed debate over law enforcement practices and the balance between state power and individual freedoms in a democratic society.
