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| National |
| MIJ Radio journalists released |
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by
Mc Donald Chapalapata, 25 May 2004
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16:54:05
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Police on Monday released on bail two Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ) radio station journalists and charged them with broadcasting material likely to cause disorder.
MIJ executive director James Ng’ombe said on Tuesday Arthur Chokotho and station manager Evance Masamba were released on police bail after spending a day in custody and have been told to report to police every Monday.
Police closed down the community radio station on Sunday following an interview with Mgwirizano Coalition spokesperson Kholiwe Mkandawire who threatened to disturb the inauguration ceremony of President Bingu wa Mutharika on Monday.
Heavily armed police invaded the station and arrested four journalists but released two of them Wonder Msiska and Tony Khoza the same evening.
Ng’ombe said Chokotho and Masamba are yet to appear in court.
He also said their lawyer Alinane Kauka is trying to get their premises open so that they can resume broadcasting.
“The premises are still closed and there are three heavily armed policemen there,” said Ng’ombe.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) director general Evance Namanja was so uncooperative when Nation Online contacted him for comment on Tuesday, saying he should be called in the evening.
In a radio debate on Capital FM on Monday, secretary for Information Anthony Livuza tried to defend the police action while lawyer Ralph Kasambara accused police of taking the duties of Macra when they closed down the station.
Malawi Law Society secretary Linda Ziyendammanja said on Sunday the closure of the station was unconstitutional.
The police have refused to say anything on the matter.
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