Malawi activist pleads not guilty
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HARARE (AFP) - Thousands of supporters thronged the Blantyre High Court yesterday as Chakufwa Chihana, a democracy activist, pleaded not guilty to four charges of sedition, his lawyer said.
'There was a sea of people outside the courtroom chanting praise and support for Chihana,' Bazuka Mahango said by telephone from Malawi. The lawyer said the trade unionist and leader of the Alliance for Democracy (Aford) also pleaded not guilty to a charge of breaching public security regulations.
This charge relates to his return to Malawi on 6 April after announcing to a meeting of exiles that he would press for democratic change in the one-party state that has been ruled for the past 28 years by its President, Kamuzu Banda.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments