Mutharika Defends Arrests, Dismisses Claims of Political Persecution

President Peter Mutharika has dismissed allegations of political persecution, telling former president Lazarus Chakwera that arrests being carried out by law enforcement agencies are strictly evidence-based.

The matter was discussed during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Wednesday, where Chakwera raised concerns over what he described as “political arrests” under the current administration.

According to sources, President Mutharika emphasized that law enforcement agencies have full authority to arrest suspects where there is clear and credible evidence, adding that his government is committed to ensuring that all suspects are taken to court within the shortest possible time.

MIJ Online understands that Mutharika contrasted the current approach with what he described as politically motivated arrests during Chakwera’s tenure, arguing that many of those cases collapsed because they lacked sufficient evidence and failed to secure convictions.

Chakwera later confirmed in a statement that he had spoken to Mutharika to protest against what he views as targeted arrests of opposition figures. He specifically cited the detention of senior Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials, including Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, as cause for concern.

The exchange highlights growing political tensions, with the two leaders sharply divided over the role of law enforcement and the line between criminal investigations and political accountability.