BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Opposition Leader in Malawi Parliament George Chaponda is demanding immediate release of activist Edward Kambanje from police custody.
The demand comes barely hours after Malawi Police Service arrested Kambanje on reasons yet to be established.
But in a press statement issued on Saturday, June 1, 2024, Chaponda says Kambanje arrest is not justifiable.
“I’m appalled by the arrest of activist Edward Kambanje and demand his immediate release from police custody,” demands Chaponda’s statement.
Chaponda observes, “Activist Kambanje has been a courageous voice against corruption. Recently, he asked Anti Corruption Bureau ACB, to investigate reports of an alleged questionable lifestyle of a daughter of a politician. He has also exposed gaps in national identity cards registration exercises in centres he inspected.
“Therefore his arrest is a clear attempt to silence him. This is an attack on free speech, whistleblower protection, harassment and intimidation of activists and whistleblowers”.
Chaponda adds, ” As Leader of the Opposition, I condemn this authoritarian move and demand: the immediate and unconditional release of Edward Kambanje, an end to the harassment and intimidation of activists and whistleblowers and a full investigation into the alleged lifestyle reported by Activist Kambanje.
“This arrest is a stark reminder of the government’s growing intolerance for dissent and its desperate attempts to hide the truth. We will not be silenced”.
He further said, “We stand in solidarity with Activist Kambanje and all those who fight for transparency and accountability”.
The Malawi Police Service (MPS) is yet to comment on the matter as we go to press.
