malawi: President threatens newspapers
President Bakili Muluzi has lashed out at the "Chronicle" and "Daily Times" newspapers for what he termed "irresponsible journalism." Speaking at a rally in Balaka district (southern Malawi) on 25 September 2002, Muluzi described the "Daily Times" as a "naughty paper" whose agenda was questionable.
IFEX- News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT - MALAWI
30 September 2002
President threatens newspapers
SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek
(MISA/IFEX) - President Bakili Muluzi has lashed out at the "Chronicle" and
"Daily Times" newspapers for what he termed "irresponsible journalism."
Speaking at a rally in Balaka district (southern Malawi) on 25 September
2002, Muluzi described the "Daily Times" as a "naughty paper" whose agenda
was questionable.
"What's wrong with our 'Daily Times'? What agenda do they have?" he charged.
Muluzi's remarks follow the publication of an article in which the newspaper
quoted the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) as contradicting Muluzi's
assertions that he founded the group. PAC described the president's
outbursts as "untrue and misleading."
On 11 September, Muluzi accused the "Chronicle" newspaper of trying to
incite civil unrest. The "Chronicle" had quoted a letter written by a sector
of the Muslim community threatening a holy war (Jihad) against Christians
and their institutions.
Muluzi, a practicing Muslim, strongly condemned the newspaper, but fell
short of rebuking the authors of the letter.
BACKGROUND:
PAC is a grouping of religious faiths that helped to catapult the Muluzi
administration to power through its role as a human rights watchdog.
President Muluzi and his ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) are on a
countrywide tour, trying to rally people behind the constitutional change to
allow him a third term in office. In July, the Malawi Parliament defeated a
bill aiming to delimit the presidential tenure of office.
For further information, contact Zoe Titus or Kaitira Kandjii, Regional
Information Coordinator, MISA, Street Address: 21 Johann Albrecht Street,
Mailing Address; Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232975,
fax: +264 61 248016, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected],
Internet: http://www.misa.org/
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of MISA.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit MISA.
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