United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has called for respect for the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression following the summoning of Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa by the Malawi Police Service.

In a statement, Muluzi said Namiwa should be treated with dignity and be allowed to fully exercise all his constitutional rights.

He further said the concerns raised by CDEDI should be addressed through lawful, transparent and established procedures.

Muluzi also emphasized that citizens and civil society organisations should not fear that questioning or commenting on the conduct of public officials could expose them to personal repercussions.

The police summons came just hours after Minister of Lands and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu demanded an apology from Namiwa over a recent press briefing in which CDEDI called on the minister to provide evidence explaining his wealth and financial dealings.

According to CDEDI Communications Officer Promise Thom, the organisation received a WhatsApp message instructing Namiwa to report to the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Gerland Chiwanda, before proceeding to meet Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga.

Thom also alleged that Namiwa received a phone call from Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale, who also serves as President Peter Mutharika’s personal bodyguard, expressing displeasure over remarks Namiwa made during a recent televised interview.

The Malawi Police Service had not yet commented on the matter at the time of publication.