In the below statement, government has censure the act by the men in uniform.
GOVERNMENTOVERNMEN WELCOMES RELEASE OF JOURNALIST GREGORY GONDWE.
After noting with concern the widespread reports that a journalist Gregory Gondwe working with the Platform for Investigative Journalists (PIJ) was at the South West Region Police Headquarters for questioning today, Government welcomes the news that the Malawi Police Service (MPS) has released him as promised in its earlier statement, which Government has no reason to impugn. Government fully subscribes to the values and dictatus of free independent media.
Notwithstanding the expressions of concern this unfortunate incident has generated from Government, the public, development partners, and other stakeholders, Government maintains its policy and practice of non-interference in the operations of the MPS. This is because Government interference in police matters is prohibited by law, which is a guaranteeing legal provision of both the independence of the press and the independence of the Malawi Police Service, and requires both to exercise their independence without infringing on the rights of others.
Additionally, while recognizing that the law gives the MPS the power to conduct investigations without regard to any influence and intimidation from external or political forces, Government expects police officers to conduct all such interrogations without harassing citizens or violating their right to privacy and humane treatment.
Any act by the police or journalist that doesn’t pass the test as provided above doesn’t talk to the character and personality of this government.
Lastly, Government repudiates all attempts and efforts by some quarters to politicize this incident by casting aspersions on the unimpeachable character of the State President, whose promotion of a free press is as unshakeable as his promotion of an independent police. Free press and independent police, fertilize his conviction of building a better Malawi for all.
GOSPEL KAZAKO
Minister of Information and Digitalisation
Tuesday, 5th April
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