Malawi Voice journalist Justice Mponda was arraigned in court in Blantyre on Tuesday where he was charged with attempts at extortion by threats.
Mponda has, however, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Viva Nyimba.
According to the charge sheet, the state alleges Mponda who was arrested on Friday attempted to extort the sum of K500 000 (about $1 250) from Peoples Party official Joseph Chikwemba by threatening that himself and Malawi Voice online publication will publish several stories linking Chikwemba and associates to massive theft of public funds.
State prosecutor Jairos Chafunsa said because the accused had pleaded not guilty the burden of proof would shift to the prosecution who would parade three witnesses.
He then sought an adjournment. But Mponda’s lawyer Chancy Gondwe asked for the court to release the accused on bail.
He argued the offence is bailable and that the accused had no intention of compromising the interests of justice and that bail is a right.
Chafunsa did not object to the bail application, but asked for strict conditions to ensure the availability of the accused at all times during the trial and his presence when needed for further investigations.
In his ruling, Magistrate Nyimba observed that the offence is bailable, the accused has a known place of abode and the state did not object to the
application.
The magistrate ordered the accused to deposit the sum of K10 000 (about $25) cash with the court and produce two sureties bonded at K10 000 non-cash each.
