The State has charged Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) executive director Sylvester Namiwa with treason and publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm.
The charges stem from statements Namiwa allegedly made during an interview with Luntha Television.
Namiwa, who was arrested last Thursday, on Monday appeared before the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe where he was informed of the charges before the case was committed to the High Court of Malawi.
Deputy director of criminal litigation Brenda Kapenda told the court that the matter was before the court solely for committal because the treason charge is triable only by the High Court of Malawi.
Defence lawyer Gift Mwenye sought to apply for bail, but State prosecutor Prescott Mwayiulipo objected, arguing that the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court lacked jurisdiction because of the treason charge.
Another defence lawyer, Innocent Chizimba, said the defence would seek bail in the High Court.
Chief resident magistrate Austin Banda informed Namiwa that he faced two counts; treason and publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm, but did not take plea because the matter was being committed to the High Court.
According to the charge sheet, the treason count alleges that in July this year in Lilongwe, Namiwa prepared to overthrow
