HRDC Lines-Up 2020 Demos
The leadership of Human Rights Defenders Coalition, HRDC, says the rights body will hold three demonstrations in January on different issues started with an anti-Jane Ansah 'Two million people march' scheduled
for 16th January.
This was disclosed on Sunday in Salima at a citizen rally HRDC held at Msalura School grounds.
The citizen rally begun with a street-march from Kamuzu Road to the venue of the rally around Salima district headquarters.
Speaking on behalf of the citizens, mufti Shumna Sosola, said sometimes, people in the district are afraid to publicly express their views because of fear of being arrested by the police.
"We have a lot of issues directly violating our rights. Like the food insecurity and loss of businesses, among other things. There is need for those in authority to pay attention. Unfortunately nothing tangible is happening," he said.
HRDC vice chairperson, Gift Trapence, said for 2020 activities, HRDC is also planning a tax justice campaign where, for at least three months, Malawians will be told to halt paying tax if plunder of government resources will continue.
This, he said, would be done in order to instill discipline in public officers handling public resources.
"2020 is the year of demonstrations. If those in authority will continue neglecting the rights of citizens, we will tell Malawians to shun paying tax for some months in 2020 in a bid to deal with abuse of public funds," Trapence said.
According to Trapence, the first demonstration will be held on 9th January over Msundwe saga.
The organisation, he said, would be petitioning the Inspector General of Police, Duncan Mwapasa, where as the second will be a demonstration to force Jane Ansah out of office on 16th January.
The final demonstration in January shall he on 27th January against alleged illegal mining activities in Chitipa.
Among other key people Present at the rally was HRDC chairperson Timothy Mtambo, Billy Mayaya, Luke Tembo and some members of parliament from Salima.
Thousands of citizens attended the rally that was, towards the end, interrupted by a heavy down-pour.
Published in: NATIONAL NEWS
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