Malawi human rights defender to surrender to police

A human rights activist in Malawi is expected to present himself to the police.

Human Rights Defender's Coalition (HRDC) said its chairman Timothy Mtambo, who was being sought by police, will be escorted by well-wishers to a station in the capital, Lilongwe.

Police Publicist James Kadadzera stated that an arrest warrant had been issued for Mr Mtambo.

Two other HRDC members were arrested on Sunday and charged with inciting violence.

The group had announced plans to shut down the presidential residences across the countries to protest against President Peter Mutharika's failure to sack the chairperson of the electoral commission.

HRDC has been calling for changes in the commission before a rerun of the presidential election that was nullified in February.

The group tweeted:

TO ALL MALAWIANS, INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Just to inform you that HRDC Chairperson Mr #Timothy #Pagonachi #Mtambo will be handing over himself to Area 30 Police Headquarters in Lilongwe at 9:AM . He is expected to be escorted by Citizens and well wishers pic.twitter.com/IG2lhigGZw

— MALAWI HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS COALITION(MHRDC) (@HumanHrdc) March 10, 2020