The International Press Institute (IPI) has issued an appeal to Malawian authorities, urging them to cease the use of cybercrime laws to target journalists.
The appeal comes in response to the detention and subsequent release on bail of Macmillan Mhone, who was held by the Blantyre police’s Cyber Crime Division on accusations related to an article published in August 2023.
IPI Demands End to Cybercrime Laws Targeting Journalists in Malawi
Mhone, an employee of the online news site Malawi24, was detained following the publication of a report alleging businessman Abdul Karim Batatwala’s use of proxy businesses to circumvent a court order due to corruption and fraud charges.
Authorities charged Mhone with offenses including “cyber spamming,” “publication of news likely to cause fear or public alarm,” and “extortion” under Malawi’s Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act.
Additionally, Mhone was transferred from Blantyre to Lilongwe Police Headquarters, located 300 kilometers away from his home and family.
This incident marks the second instance of press freedom being challenged in Malawi in less than three months. In February, journalist Gregory Gondwe faced threats after reportedly exposing corruption linked to military equipment supply.
IPI Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead
Nompilo Simanje, IPI Africa advocacy and partnerships Lead, expressed concern over the continued targeting of journalists in Malawi for exposing corruption.
Simanje emphasized the importance of allowing the media to fulfill its watchdog role without fear of reprisals, urging authorities to allocate resources to investigate alleged corruption instead.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa has joined in demanding Mhone’s release, highlighting the broader issue of press freedom and the protection of journalists in the region.
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