MALAWI: Mutharika Defends His Administration’s Handling Of Justice Matters

 

Former president Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has emphasized that there is a clear difference between how his administration handled matters of justice and the approach being taken by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government.

 

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Mutharika was responding to remarks by former president Lazarus Chakwera, who recently alleged that the arrest of some individuals in the country was being carried out for political reasons.

 

According to the statement, Professor Mutharika said that during previous administrations, many people were arrested without proper justification and in the absence of sufficient evidence, a situation that has resulted in a lack of convictions to date. “There were numerous arrests without credible evidence, and this is why many cases have failed to conclude successfully,” said Mutharika.

 

He further reminded Dr Chakwera of what transpired during his five-year term in office, when several senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials and other individuals were arrested. Mutharika said such actions raised serious concerns about respect for the rule of law. “These arrests were largely driven by politics rather than evidence,” he said.

 

In contrast, the former president said his administration respected the law and ensured professionalism within law enforcement agencies. “Under my leadership, institutions responsible for upholding the law operated independently and without political interference,” said Mutharika.

 

The statement adds that all arrests made during his administration followed due legal process. “Every arrest was based on lawful grounds and supported by evidence,” he said.

 

Mutharika further said his government remained committed to ensuring that all cases were handled fairly, lawfully and within a reasonable timeframe, in line with the principles of justice and constit

utional order.