The IPI global network condemns threats against Malawi investigative journalist Gregory Gondwe by the Malawi Defence Forces after he published an exposing corruption in the supply of military equipment.聽
Gondwe, who works with the Platform for Investigative Journalism in Malawi, said yesterday that he is currently in hiding and fearing for his life.
聽鈥淚n the wake of my second expos茅 concerning Zuneth Sattar and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), I find myself in a perilous situation鈥�, Gondwe posted on his on February 1. 鈥淢ilitary sources, the same ones who urged me to shed light on the happenings within the army, have now advised me to go into hiding. This isn’t just about legal threats, which I was prepared to face head-on. Yesterday, top government officials confirmed that the MDF intended to 鈥榓rrest鈥� me for allegedly 鈥榚ndangering state security鈥� 鈥� a vague and ominous accusation.鈥�
Nompilo Simanje, IPI鈥檚 Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead, called on authorities in Malawi to guarantee the safety of Gregory Gondwe and ensure that press freedom is respected and protected in the country.聽
鈥淚PI stands in solidarity with journalists and press freedom organizations in Malawi calling on the military to cease this attempt to silence critical media鈥�, she said. 鈥淛ournalists, as the fourth estate, have a responsibility to investigate and expose corruption as part of their watchdog role, and they should not be threatened, harassed, or intimidated for undertaking their professional duties.鈥�
鈥淛ournalists should be allowed to do their work without fear of reprisals,鈥� she added.聽
Gondwe has been targeted in the past. , the police raided the offices of the Platform for Investigative Journalism and confiscated Gondwe鈥檚 computers and phones. Gondwe was also arrested and the police demanded that he reveal his sources.聽
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Malawi Chapter) : 鈥淭he threats on Gondwe鈥檚 life have a chilling effect on journalists and the media fraternity. As a democracy, Malawi should not slide back to the era of heavy-handedness on media and critical voices.鈥�