At least 9 killed in Malawi anti-government protests

At least 9 killed in Malawi anti-government protests

2011-07-21 23:20:58 GMT+7 (ICT)

LILONGWE, MALAWI (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll in the recent Malawi anti-government protests has risen to nine, officials said Thursday.

The latest killings occurred in Lilongwe, where a protester was shot dead in Lumbadzi near the Kamuzu International airport, while an innocent bystander was killed near his home in the Chilinde area of the city, the Maravi Post reported. On Wednesday, at least seven people were killed while another 10 were injured in Malawi's northern city of Mzuzu.

Anti-government protests have spread throughout the country, demanding the resignation of President Bingu wa Mutharika, who won the 2004 and 2009 elections. Malawians have expressed dissatisfaction over the country's economic situation and governance, while fuel shortages have been creating further tension.

Angry protesters began attacking and beating police officers, while damaging police vehicles. In retaliation, both rubber and live bullets were shot against the protesters, police spokeswoman Norah Chimwala said; however she only confirmed one death although it was uncertain whether it was caused by the firing.

Protests have spread from Mzuzu to Lilongwe, where demonstrations turned violent and police were forced to use tear gas. Malawi's Blantyre and Zomba have also had violent incidents reported in relation to the protests. Police have reportedly arrested some 40 people, but they were all later released.

Media coverage has been difficult with three private radio stations - Joy FM, Malawi Institute of Journalism Radio, and Capital Radio - being shut down after the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority took them off the air.

Furthermore, Kingsley Jassi, Blantyre Newspaper journalist, was beaten and arrested for taking pictures of police beating a man. He was released an hour later. Freelance journalist Vitima Ndovi and BBC correspondent Joel Nkhoma have been reported missing since Wednesday.

President Mutharika first won the presidency as the United Democratic Front candidate in 2004, but after discussions in an anti-corruption campaign, he formed the Democratic Progressive Party, lacking parliamentary majority for the rest of his term. However, he was re-elected in 2009.

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