The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters have violently attacked UTM’s Director of Youth, Bon ‘Winiko’ Kalindo.
According to a report published by Zodiak, Kalindo has been attacked today when he was in Mulanje for a meeting at the District Commissioner’s office.
“DPP followers have beaten and injured MP and UTM Director of Youth, Bon Kalindo, in Mulanje. Kalindo says the incident has occurred a short while ago at the DC’s office where he went for a meeting with the DC” reports Zodiak.
According to Zodiak, Kalindo was treated at Mulanje District Hospital as an out patient.
Breaking News: Suspected DPP followers have beaten and injured MP and UTM Youth Director, Bon Kalindo, in Mulanje a short while ago. Kalindo says the incident occurred at the DC’s office where he was meeting the DC. He is currently receiving treatment at Mulanje District Hospital
— Zodiak Online (@zodiakonline) January 16, 2019
The UTM Mulanje South legislator was last week arrested reportedly for mocking President Peter Mutharika with insults contrary to Section 4 of the Protected Flags, Emblem and Names Act and Section 181 of the Penal Code.
He was released on bail on Monday after paying a bond of K20 000 and presenting two surities bonded with non-cash of K100 000 each.
A grouping of civil Society organizations under the emblem Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) called the arrest as undemocratic and demanded for the repeal of laws that protect the president describing them as being designed to protect one party dictatorships.
“The coalition would like to remind all duty bearers in particular Government and ruling DPP that the Republican Constitution gives each and every person and legitimate organization rights to freely associate and speak on matters of national concern.
“We would like to point out that when citizens raise issues, they are aimed at helping duty bearers to do right things.
“Simply arresting citizens to silence state critics will not only reflect badly on the governing elite, but will go down towards creating a society bent on revenge, violence and which does not respect the rule of law,” reads the depict of the statement.
Insulting president cannot be described as freedom of speech. Many other have been arrested and convicted before for similar offences. Why are the so called human rights CSOs concerned only now? Are MPs the only important people in this country?