By Twink Jones Gadama
The Alliance for Democracy (Aford) has vehemently called for the immediate and unconditional release of activist Bon Kalindo and Parliamentarian Kamlepo Kalua, who were arrested by police for allegedly spreading false information through audio messages on social media.
Aford’s spokesperson, Anne Amatullah Maluwa, confirmed the party’s stance, stating that the arrest of the duo is a clear violation of their rights and a politically motivated move.
Maluwa emphasized that the arrest is a blatant attempt to silence critical voices and stifle freedom of expression in Malawi.
“The arrest of Bon Kalindo and Kamlepo Kalua is a gross violation of their rights and a clear indication of the government’s intentions to suppress dissenting voices,” Maluwa said in a statement. “We demand their unconditional release and urge all Malawians to stand up for their rights and freedoms.”
Maluwa further alleged that the government is using the police to persecute political opponents and critics, adding that Aford will not stand idly by while the rights of citizens are being trampled upon.
The police arrested Kalindo and Kalua on charges of spreading false information, which is punishable under Malawi’s cybercrime laws.
However, Aford and other human rights groups have dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated.
Kalindo, a renowned activist, has been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the economy and corruption, while Kalua has been a fierce advocate for human rights and the rule of law.
Their arrest has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from civil society organizations, opposition parties, and human rights groups.
Aford’s call for the release of Kalindo and Kalua has been echoed by other opposition parties and human rights groups, who have urged the government to respect the rights of citizens and stop using the police to silence critical voices.
As the debate rages on, Malawians are increasingly becoming concerned about the erosion of their rights and freedoms under the current administration.
The arrest of Kalindo and Kalua has only added fuel to the fire, with many calling for the government to take steps to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
The arrest of Bon Kalindo and Kamlepo Kalua has sparked a national debate on the state of human rights in Malawi. Aford’s call for their release and condemnation of the government’s actions is a clear indication that the party will not stand idly by while the rights of citizens are being violated.
As the situation unfolds, Malawians are eagerly waiting to see how the government will respond to the growing demands for respect for human rights and freedoms.
