Police have confirmed the arrest of human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa.
Deputy National Police Public Relations Officer Assistant Superintendent Already Chinthere said Namiwa has been charged with publishing false news and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He is currently in custody at Lingadzi Police Station in Lilongwe.
The arrest took place on Thursday.
Namiwa, who is Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), is known for his outspoken stance on governance and human rights issues in Malawi. Police have not yet provided details of the alleged false publication that prompted the charges.
The development has drawn swift reaction from political and civil society circles. Several leaders and fellow activists went to Lingadzi Police Station to seek updates on Namiwa’s condition and to offer support. UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe was among those who visited the station on Thursday.
Other prominent rights defenders also showed up at Lingadzi. These included Benedicto Kondowe and Charles Kajoloweka. Their presence underscored growing concern among human rights groups over the treatment of activists and the space for free expression in the country.
Namiwa’s arrest comes at a time of heightened tension between CDEDI and government officials. Just hours before he was taken into custody, Minister of Lands and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu demanded an apology from Namiwa. The demand was delivered through the minister’s lawyers, Khwima Mchizi.
The apology demand relates to a press briefing held on Monday.
During that briefing, CDEDI called for accountability and a voluntary lifestyle audit of the minister.
The organization said public officials must lead by example in matters of transparency and asset declaration.
CDEDI also noted that prior to the arrest, Namiwa received a call from Norman Chisale.
Chisale serves as personal bodyguard to former President Peter Mutharika and is also Deputy Minister of Homeland Security.
According to CDEDI, Chisale expressed frustration over remarks Namiwa made during a recent exclusive interview on Luntha TV.
The arrest has since sparked wide discussion among rights groups and political actors. Some have raised concerns that the charges could have a chilling effected on freedom of expression and on the work of human rights defenders in Malawi.
Police say investigations are ongoing and more details will be provided in due course.
