The court in Mzuzu have released on bail 13 youths arrested on Monday for allegedly planning to hold demonstrations against President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration.

The youths under Mzuzu Youth Association (MYA), were arrested on allegations that they did not have consent from authorities to hold the vigil at Mzuzu Civic Office.

The police intercepted them at Katoto Secondary football ground where they had assembled to march to the Civic offices.

The youths carried a coffin draped in Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cloth, red overalls and a dog that the protesters were to use at the vigil to signify that the country “has gone to the dogs”.

The coffin is said to symbolised demise of the economy.

Human right activist Billy Mayaya together with former legal advisor to late President Bingu wa Mutharika, Z Allan Ntata condemned the arrest.