By Chisomo Phiri

A coalition of environmental Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country has expressed shock and disappointment over the pardon of Lin Yunhua, a Chinese national convicted of wildlife trafficking.

The CSOs include Movement for Environmental Action, CURE, Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA), Youth and Society (YAS), Association of Environmental Journalists, National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC), and Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM).

Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe on Friday, Charles Mkoka, representing the CSOs, questioned the decision, citing President Chakwera’s previous stance on wildlife crimes.

Mkoka raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the pardon process.

He urged President Chakwera to reconsider granting pardons to wildlife crime convicts, arguing that such leniency undermines efforts to protect Malawi’s wildlife.

The court sentenced Yunhua to a cumulative 32 years in prison, 14 years for trading in rhino horn, 14 years for possession of rhino horn and additional six years for money laundering.

The sentences would run concurrently, resulting in a total of 14 years.

The Chinese national was arrested in August 2019, following a three-month manhunt.