MALAWI: MP Sameer Suleman Arrested On Libel Charges

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

Police in Blantyre have formally arrested Sameer Suleman, Member of Parliament for Blantyre City South East, on libel charges.

He is accused of making defamatory remarks against Richard Chimwendo Banda, Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, Mining Minister, and Baba Steve Malondera, MCP’s Youth Director.

According to reports, Suleman alleged that the three individuals were planning to kill him in an interview broadcast on the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Facebook page. Suleman’s lawyer, Bob Chimkango, has confirmed the arrest.

The opposition DPP has condemned the arrest, describing it as an act of intimidation.

In a statement, party spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the arrest is targeting DPP members and is unacceptable.

“The arrests are a clear indication of a systematic crackdown on the opposition,” Namalomba said.

The DPP has called on the government to stop the harassment and intimidation of its members.

The party has also urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and to ensure that justice is served.

Suleman’s arrest has sparked outrage among his supporters, who have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the embattled MP.

The hashtag #FreeSameerSuleman has been trending on Twitter, with many calling for his immediate release.

The development has also raised concerns about the state of democracy in Malawi, with some observers warning that the arrest could be a sign of a growing crack down on opposition voices.