Yesterday, the June 20 demonstrations planned by Civil Society Organizations (CSO) were rejected by Blantyre City Council, citing that the streets of Blantyre were already booked ‘for public events by other stakeholders from 18th to 24th June 2019.’, according to a letter by the Blantyre City Council. However the rejection has been lifted and the demonstrations are on, but the Malawi Police Service (MPS) has issued a statement concerning the demonstrations.

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) acknowledges that the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi affords every citizen the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and unarmed. deal with any criminal activities that may be committed in the name of demonstrations, and culprits will answer in Court as individuals.

In the statement signed by MPS Public Relations Officer James Kadadzera, MPS has assured the general public that it has put in place measures to enable facilities such as shops, markets, and hospitals to operate normally. “Similarly, MSCE candidates will be protected against any disruption of their examinations.” says the statement.