The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has expressed grave concern over Malawi’s arbitrary arrest and continued detention of lawyer Ralph Kasambara despite being granted bail by the courts.
In a statement signed by Arnold Tsunga, director of the ICJ Africa Regional Programme, the commission laments Malawi Police’s disregard of a court order which shows contempt for the rule of law and the protection of human rights and again further taints the already compromised Malawi’s human rights record.
Reads the statement: “Respect of the rule of law is the cornerstone of democracy. When the State authorities themselves compromise and undermine it, the floodgates of defiance against it and against respect for human rights are opened.”
ICJ also urged Malawian authorities to ensure that the police discharge their duties within the ambits of the law and to cease abusing their powers and persecuting human rights defenders.
The commission further urges that demonstrable action must taken against police details who disobeyed the court order and Kasambara must be released from custody forthwith.
