The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has condemned violent attacks on peaceful protesters and the Malawi Police Service’s failure to intervene, calling it a threat to democracy and civic freedoms.
In a statement, Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi criticised police inaction during a 26 June 2025 protest in Lilongwe, where activist Sylvester Namiwa and others were assaulted by masked individuals.
Despite police presence, no protection was offered. Vehicles were vandalised, with three set on fire.
MHRC said the protest was lawfully sanctioned, and the incident reflects a troubling pattern of violence. Similar attacks occurred on 13 November 2024 and 19 March 2025.
“These are not isolated cases—they show a dangerous culture of impunity,” said MHRC. The Commission urged the police to publicly explain their response and reaffirmed its commitment to defending human rights and civic space.
