By Victoria Milanzi
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concerned over the delay in apprehending those involved in political violence in the country.
This follows a series of political violence in the country as some United Transformation Party (UTM) were assaulted and undressed in Mangochi on Sunday.
The commission is concerned with the increase in political violence as well as violence against women and attacks against persons with albinism, as Malawi heads towards elections in May 2019.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 25 in Geneva, Switzerland, Spokesperson for the UN agency Rupert Colville calls on the authorities to step up their efforts to protect persons with albinism, and to prosecute and punish alleged perpetrators.
“We welcome the fact that, on 23 January, President Peter Arthur Mutharika condemned political violence, including acts aimed at humiliating women in the political arena. However, we are concerned that so far no one has been brought to justice for any of the series of politically motivated attacks that have been taking place since last year,” said Colville.
However, a court in Mangochi yesterday denied bail to two suspects arrested for allegedly assaulting and undressing UTM members in Mangochi Sunday.
The two, Adam Masitala, 28, and Rajab Assan, 38, who were arrested Tuesday and Wednesday respectively appeared in court Wednesday where they were charged with robbery with violence and insulting the modesty of a woman.
The two have been remanded to Mangochi Prison, as police investigations continue.