Malawi court issues injunction against Sept 21 protests

The High Court in Malawi has granted an injunction restraining people from protesting against the government. (Read: Malawian president declares 'war' on critics)

The order has a lifespan of seven days but leaders of the civil society have since said they will challenge the injunction adding that preparations for the planned September 21 protests are still on.

This is the third injunction to be granted against anti-government protests.

Spokesperson of civil society organisations Voice Mhone said those who went to seek the injunction against the protests were trying to take away Malawians' constitutional rights to peaceful demonstrations.

"We are still going ahead. We are challenging the injunctions because Malawians have the right to demonstrate," he said.

An individual known as Dr Yohannie Billy Mlombe applied to the court to restrain activists from holding or participating in any protest against government.

Security

The court documents indicate that Mlombe applied for the injunction on grounds that the defendants’ plan to conduct nationwide protests without ensuring peace and security is a threat to national security.

The documents further say such protests pose a threat to business interests.

“It is hereby ordered and directed, and an order of injunction is hereby granted restraining the defendants… from holding nationwide demonstrations/vigil/mass protests against the Malawi government on political, economic and governance issues stemming from the President of Malawi’s alleged failure to address concerns encapsulated in a petition from civil society,” reads part of the court order issued on August 23 but which only became public today (Wednesday).

Activists have exerted pressure on President Bingu wa Mutharika to respond to the petition that was delivered to him on July 20.