MISA Malawi has expressed deep concern over government’s continued failure to investigate and prosecute people who attack journalists in the country, saying the culture of impunity is fuelling more crimes against the media.
The concern is contained in a statement signed by MISA Malawi Chairperson Felix Washon and released on Monday, as Malawi joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI) proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.
According to MISA Malawi, this year’s theme “THREATS EVOLVE, IMPUNITY ENDURES” highlights how new technologies and weapons are changing the way journalists are attacked, while perpetrators continue to go unpunished.
The media body said journalists in Malawi continue to face physical assaults, online harassment and bullying, arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as threats and intimidation, but those responsible are rarely arrested or prosecuted.
Washon said in the statement that such impunity is encouraging attackers because they know police will not investigate or prosecute them, a development that is shrinking journalistic space and threatening press freedom.
The organization further revealed that it receives reports of corporate and politically powerful individuals threatening journalists, but many victims choose to remain silent because they have lost faith in police action.
MISA Malawi reminded authorities that under the Republican Constitution and international standards, police have an obligation to protect journalists and ensure they work without fear of harassment and violence.
It has since called on the Malawi Police Service and other prosecuting agencies to conduct thorough investigations, saying ending impunity is key to protecting journalism and the public’s right to know.
