Malawi: Radio station reopened
On 31 May 2004, the High Court in Blantyre ordered the police to reopen the Malawi Institute of Journalism's (MIJ) 90.3 FM radio station, which was shut down on 23 May. The station was closed following an interview it broadcast with the opposition Mgwirizano Coalition's spokesperson, Kholiwe Mkandawire, in which she threatened to sabotage newly-elected President Bingu Mutharika's inauguration.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT UPDATE - MALAWI
29 June 2004
Radio station reopened
SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek
**Updates IFEX alerts of 26 May 2004**
(MISA/IFEX) - On 31 May 2004, the High Court in Blantyre ordered the police
to reopen the Malawi Institute of Journalism's (MIJ) 90.3 FM radio station,
which was shut down on 23 May.
The station was closed following an interview it broadcast with the
opposition Mgwirizano Coalition's spokesperson, Kholiwe Mkandawire, in which
she threatened to sabotage newly-elected President Bingu Mutharika's
inauguration.
Justice George Chimasula-Phiri said the police action was justified at the
time because national security was at stake, but rejected the police request
to prolong the closure, saying it had no basis.
"Police must have completed their investigations by now. The period they
have taken is unduly long," Chimasula-Phiri said.
The judge also observed that the closure of the station, which is in the
same building as a journalism school, had a negative impact on students.
Some students were to take examinations and others were scheduled to hold
their graduation ceremony.
"We should be proud as a nation to have educated people. The authorities
should have shown mercy on the students," he said.
The judge also ruled that the radio station could be compensated for loss of
advertising revenue, but not for damage to the students' education.
This interim court order is pending a judicial review, in which MIJ contends
that the police usurped the role of the Malawi Communications Regulatory
Authority (MACRA) by closing down the station.
BACKGROUND:
On 25 May, police stormed the MIJ radio station and arrested its manager and
three broadcasters. Two of the broadcasters were released that same morning.
MISA confirmed that the four were taken to the southern regional police
headquarters and were later transferred to the Blantyre police station.
Manager Evance Masamba, along with broadcasters Tony Khoza, Arthur Chokhoto
and Wonder Msiska, were arrested following the interview with Mkandawire,
who vowed to make Malawi ungovernable following the 20 May general election
results, which the opposition Mgwirizano Coalition disputed.
MIJ 90.3 FM Radio has been at loggerheads with the government. It broadcasts
critical material that public broadcasters usually cover up. The government
has attempted on numerous occasions to censor the station through the MACRA.
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 61 232 975,
fax: +264 61 248 016, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected],
Internet: http://www.misa.org
The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
MISA. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
MISA.
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