By Mayamiko Mwikhoma

Three of Malawi’s opposition parties have called for the immediate release of Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa.

Namiwa, who was arrested last week, was on Monday charged with treason and publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm. His arrest followed statements he allegedly made during a televised interview.

In a joint statement, People’s Development Party (PDP) president Kondwani Nankhumwa, UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe and United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi expressed concern over Namiwa’s arrest and the decision to slap him with one of the most serious offences under Malawian law.

The three leaders called for Namiwa’s unconditional release or, at the very least, for him to be granted bail unless the State can demonstrate before the court that his continued detention is necessary.

They argued that Namiwa should not be subjected to pre-trial detention over allegations that have not yet been proven in court.