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Dozens arrested in Malawi amid anti-government protest
7:48 CAT | 20 Jul 2022
Image: Malawi24
Malawi police have fired teargas and arrested at least 40 protestors in the capital, Lilongwe amid anti-government protests which we reported on earlier.
The arrests follow running battles in which several people suffered various injuries, while vehicles and buildings were also smashed.
Hours before the protest marches were due to begin, the Malawi High Court issued an order stopping organisers from going ahead but thousands of angry people, unaware of the court order, gathered anyway.
A group calling itself Human Rights Ambassadors organised the protests against what they see as the government’s application of “selective justice” when taking action against those accused of corruption as well as economic hardships faced by Malawians.
There is a growing anti-government sentiment in Malawi following a hardening economic situation which authorities blame on external factors – among them the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Wednesday’s protests appear to have been driven by anger with the difficult economic situation.
Among the people arrested include leaders of the group that called for the protests.
They will be charged with inciting violence, police say.
There are currently running battles in various places in Lilongwe between police and some protestors who gathered for the planned demonstrations by Human Rights Ambassadors. pic.twitter.com/YKhZ2JhcwW
— NationOnline (@NationOnlineMw) July 20, 2022
Protests against selective justice in Malawi Courts and unbearable cost of living currently underway in Lilongwe 🇲🇼. Police trying to disperse protesters using teargas. pic.twitter.com/kNqTrnMQv2
— Vigil Grant I™ (@clementkledo) July 20, 2022
Government has condemned acts by some individuals for allegedly causing violence in in the city of Lilongwe by going ahead with anti-government protests despite a court injunction. pic.twitter.com/kFIGd2RZMT
— Zodiak Online (@zodiakonline) July 20, 2022
Source: BBC
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