By Chisomo Phiri
Nation Publications Limited(NPL) Journalist MacMillan Mhone, who was arrested on Monday over an online story published last year on Malawi24 concerning corrupt suspect Karim Batatawala, has been released on bail.
The arrest and the police’s handling of the matter has irked the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi Chapter).
According to MISA Chairperson Golden Matonga, the act smacks of torture and deliberate attempts to intimidate the journalist.
He has since called upon authorities to drop all charges against the Mhone.
Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu earlier told local media that government is discussing with the MISA to see how they can intervene in the arrest of the journalist.
The Minister indicated that Chakwera’s-led government remains committed in safeguarding press freedom; hence, it is exploring alternatives on how it can intervene on the arrest.
He said: “I have seen the communication from the Media Institute of Southern Africa Malawi Chapter and I have been in touch with their leadership to appreciate the full details of the matter and to see where our entry point could be as a ministry in a case where an individual feels aggrieved by a publication or a story.
“The police have confirmed receiving a complaint and moving in to make an arrest based on the complaint. I am waiting to get further updates on the matter.”
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