CSOs condemn attack on HRDC’s Mtambo
The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) and the Joint Civil Society Platform on Governance have condemned the attack on Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) chairperson Timothy Mtambo, describing it as cowardice.
Mtambo, who is also Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) executive director, had his house petrol-bombed in the early hours of yesterday. He and his family managed to escape.
In separate statements issued yesterday, the two CSOs described the attacks as a threat to democracy.
The NAP statement, signed by chairperson Benedicto Kondowe, states in part: “Malawi, as a party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is under obligation to ensure the freedom to act without intimidation, abuse, or undue restriction.
“There can be no realisation of human rights without human rights defenders whose sacrifice and courageous voices contribute to peace, security, justice, rule of law and sustainable development.”
Similarly, a Joint Civil Society Platform on Governance statement signed by its chairperson Fryson Chodzi condemns the attack.
“As human rights activists we strongly condemn the attack. Democracy is a contestation of ideology not physical harm,” their statement reads. HRDC has been leading nationwide demonstrations to force Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah to resign for presiding over a flawed electoral process.
