Opposition parties has called upon authorities to exercise justice on the arrest Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, calls for his release and adherence to the rule of law have intensified.
The People’s Development Party (PDP) , United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party and United Democratic Front(UDF) issued a joint statement expressing profound concern over Namiwa’s arrest and prosecution, particularly the decision to charge him with treason.
The parties argued that the treason allegation appears to rest principally on statements Namiwa made during a television interview, without evidence of any concrete act of violence or insurrection.
“A political prediction may be wrong. An opinion may be provocative. A statement may be unpopular. But none of these, without more, should automatically be transformed into treason,”reads part of the statement.
They emphasized that freedom of opinion, expression, and political participation are constitutional rights belonging to every Malawian.
They have therefore called for his immediate release or release on bail unless the State can demonstrate before an independent court that continued detention is justified.
The opposition leaders also warned against Malawi becoming a police state where criticism is treated as conspiracy and accountability as rebellion.
They further clarified that Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah is not a party tNamiwa’s remarks and should not be drawn into the matter, saying any attempt to use it as a pretext to isolate the Office of the Vice President would be an abuse of the Constitution.
The joint statement from PDP President Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, UTM President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and UDF President Atupele Muluzi concluded with an appeal to all Malawians to remain peaceful. They called on government, law enforcement and international partners including the UN, AU and SADC to ensure Malawi’s constitutional and human rights obligations are respected. “Malawi must remain a democracy, not a police state,” they said.
In it’s press release, CDEDI said it continues to respect the legal process but hopes the matter will proceed without further delay.
The organization stated that if the Malawi Police Service formally charges Namiwa, its legal team will immediately pursue remedies, including applying for bail.
CDEDI said despite the arrest, it remains focused on its mission to speak out and demand accountability from those in authority.
The organization thanked citizens, civil society, the media and partners for messages of support, noting that the encouragement strengthens its resolve to engage peacefully, lawfully and fearlessly in the pursuit of justice.
