By Daniel Itai.
Lilongwe, Malawi. (News of The Story) – Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has come under intense fire for describing the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) as a terrorist group on its prime news bulletin.
Malawi broadcasting corporation
On Thursday, HRDC organized demonstrations across the country against human rights violations and corruption.
The protests were characterized by isolated incidents of violence. In its report on the protests, the state owned broadcaster, MBC Radio described HRDC as a terrorist organisation.
As a result of the reportage by MBC, HRDC is demanding approximately US$3.5 million in compensation, as well as for MBC to broadcast a retraction and an apology for seven days.
“Terrorism is not only a moral vice but is also a crime under our laws as well as international criminal law. The words published were therefore very defamatory and contrary to the values and principles on which our client’s organisation is based.
Our client’s reputation has been injured. Your institution has several layers of quality control and our client has no doubt that this broadcast was sanctioned by your institution,” read part of the letter sent to MBC by HRDC’s lawyer Wesley Mwafulirwa.
HRDC has since warned that it will commence legal proceedings against MBC if their demands are not met or if MBC does not respond to the letter before the 27th of January, 2020.
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