By Jameson Chauluka:
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has asked the government to refrain from using the country’s laws to silence critics.
HRDC Vice Chairperson, Gift Trapence, was commenting on the government’s warning that the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Law would catch up with those abusing social media to perpetrate violence.
“We know that the government has a tendency of using such laws to suppress critical voices. We don’t have a problem with the government implementing the laws but laws should not be used selectively. Currently, the government is targeting critics to achieve its political agenda,” he said.
The development comes after the government, in a statement dated June 25 2019 and signed by its spokesperson Mark Botomani, said the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act would catch up with anyone caught abusing social media and perpetrating violence
“Let me also remind the country that the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Law is in effect. This law punishes those who abuse social media. I want to caution those who abuse social media that this law will catch up with them one day,” the statement reads.
Recently, Homeland Security Minister Nicholas Dausi warned that people found damaging public and private property in the name of demonstrations would be held accountable.
Tension continues in the country as main political parties of Malawi Congress Party and UTM reject results of the May 21 2019 presidential election.
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