HRDC to honour Chihana, July 20 heroes
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) plans to honour the late Chakufwa Chihana and people who died in the July 20, 2011 anti-government demonstrations during World Human Rights Defenders Day celebrations.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, HRDC chairperson (North) Happy Mhango said Chihana and those killed in the July 20 protests played a great role in fighting for rights of Malawians.
He lamented lack of respect for the victims.
Mhango said HRDC will hold a procession to Zolozolo cemetery in Mzuzu to pay respect to the July 20 victims and later proceed to Chihana’s tomb behind Reserve Bank in Mzuzu where leaders will lay wreaths.
“We don’t want politicians to take advantage of HRDC activities to achieve their goals,” he said.
Karonga HRDC chairperson Walusako Munde said the event will also celebrate those victimised in the recent demonstrations they have been organising.
He said Justin Phiri, who died in police cell, is among those that HRDC will honour.
Rumphi HRDC chairperson Moir Walita also said HRDC is compiling all atrocities that people have suffered and soon there will be action taken against such.
The July 20 bereaved families’ spokesperson Isaac Banda said they were yet to be communicated on the programme but he commended HRDC for recognising the victims as heroes.
He said the victims did not die for nothing despite that some quarters fail to honour them.
Efforts to talk to Chihana’s family proved futile as Enoch Chihana’s phone was out of reach.
