Intimidation of journalists condemned

The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and the World Editors Forum (WEF) this week condemned the intimidation of Malawian journalists working for the independent bi-weekly ‘The Chronicle’ by the country’s Police Mobile Forces.

Journalist Don Kulapani and photographer Pushpa Jamieson were last week beaten up by the police outside the national stadium while covering the country’s independence celebrations. Kulapani was beaten up when he protested at the confiscation of Jamieson’s camera.

Jamieson had taken photographs of police beating up a crowd who could not get into the packed stadium where President Bakili Muluzi addressed the celebrations. Police reportedly threatened to shoot Jamieson if she resisted their action.

“These incidents of intimidation foster a climate of fear that inhibits journalistic investigations and can promote self-censorship,” the organisations said. They urged Muluzi’s government to provide an environment favourable for journalists to carry out their professional duties without fear of attack or intimidation.

A journalist at ‘The Chronicle’ told IRIN on Tuesday that the camera was returned after intervention by the newspaper’s editor. The film was, however, retained by the police, who also threatened that charges could be pressed against the newspaper if “incriminating” evidence was discovered on the film.