Following the expiry of the time frame for demands by the Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC) on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) over terrorist remarks, the rights group says it will commence legal proceedings against the institution.

The decision also coincides with Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA)’s decision to withdraw its letter summoning MBC to a hearing.

On 17th January, HRDC through Kawelo lawyers wrote MBC over remarks in its bulletin which referred to the rights organisation as a terrorist group.

Taking into account MBC’s wide audience, HRDC felt injured by the remarks and demanded a retraction within seven days and that the apology should also be reflected on its website and social media platforms.

It also asked the public broadcaster to pay K200 million in damages and as costs for the injury caused on its reputation.

On 20th January, Macra through its Director General Godfrey Itaye summoned MBC to a hearing on the matter and in a dramatic turn of events; on 24th January withdrew the initial letter arguing there had been new developments.

An Executive member of the group Reverend MacDonald Sembereka has since taken a swipe at Macra’s decision not to summon the public broadcaster.

He however explained that it was actually surprised with Macra’s summoning of the public broadcaster which has never been happened.

“MBC has been always at the back of Macra; always has always been defended by Macra. So we were surprised that they called MBC to hear from them.

“But suffice to say these are institutions that are abused by the system so some of us are not surprised. They are allowed to be used and abused as it would be and let them continue that but we will go ahead and sue MBC if they continue doing that,”  he said

Credit: Kulinji.com