adminPresident Mutharika ordered the Malawi Law Commission, a government department that drafts the country’s laws, to review some of the laws passed by his government and which are deemed to be against the wishes of Malawians.
The President’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which enjoys a majority in parliament, has been accused of passing bills against the wishes of Malawians leading to the deadly July 20 protests.
The country’s Justice minister Ephraim Mganda Chiume said that some of the laws set for review include Section 46 of the penal code that empowers the Information minister to ban newspapers.
Mr Chiume said the laws would be sent to the law commission in the first step towards a comprehensive review.
Other laws to be reviewed are the provisions regarding indecent practices and unnatural acts in sections 137A, 153156 of the penal code — popularly known as the antigay law.
Civil Procedures — a law against suits by or against and public officers, Local Courts Act 2011 and section 35 of the Police Act, 2010 — which empowers police to search or make an arrest without providing reasons — are also set for review.
“The Government to announce to the Malawi nation that in view of the sentiments from the general public regarding certain laws and provisions of certain laws passed by the National Assembly, it is submitting the relevant laws and provisions of laws to the Law Commission for review,” said Mr Chiume. — AP.
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