malawi: journalist assaulted

Journalist assaulted

SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek

(MISA/IFEX) - On 21 August 2002, Bright Sonani, a senior reporter for the
"Malawi News", was assaulted by three unidentified men who accused him of
writing stories that were critical of the government.

Sonani told MISA's Malawi Chapter (Namisa) that he was accosted by the trio
at approximately 5:30 p.m. (local time) in Malawi's commercial city
Blantyre.

He said the assailants called him aside by first name stating that they had
something to discuss with him. "I thought they were my friends but I failed
to recognise them. They tripped me to the ground and beat me up," recalled
Sonani. The reporter lost his cell phone during the incident.

"I do not think they wanted to steal anything from me. They only wanted to
assault me," he told Namisa.

Namisa has discovered a plot by some individuals, who they believe belong to
the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), to "deal" with investigative
reporters. The UDF vehemently denies involvement in the plot.

For further information, contact Zoé 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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