Malawi to investigate riots which killed 19 protesters in July

Malawi to investigate riots which killed 19 protesters in July

2011-10-08 01:42:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

LILONGWE (BNO NEWS) -- Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika has promised he will establish a commission of inquiry into the deadly riots which took place in July, the BBC reported on Friday.

Mutharika spoke to the BBC's Africa Have Your Say program in his first major interview since the unrest in July. "Very soon, within the next 48 hours, we are announcing an independent commission of inquiry into all the aspects of what really happened [during the riots]," he said.

At least 19 people were shot dead by police during anti-government protests which erupted in Malawi's main cities. Tens of thousands of Malawians took to the streets to protest the country's economic situation, governance, acute shortages of fuel, electricity and foreign currency.

Mutharika accused the protesters of committing treason and deployed the army and riot police to restore order. However, during his BBC interview, he denied claims that he was authoritarian.

"I am the most tolerant person that you can think of. Let me give you an example: Despite all these provocations, there isn't a single political prisoner in Malawi's jails," he said.

Mutharika also promised an inquiry into last month's death of student activist Robert Chasowa. Police said Chasowa, a member of the Youth for Freedom and Democracy movement, committed suicide. However, his colleagues and family say they suspect foul play.

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world with an estimated 75 percent of the population living on less than $1 a day.

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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