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Police Abuse

Ongoing Cases

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Criminal Justice

Malawi: Challenging the constitutionality of police sweeping exercises

Background One of the enduring legacies of colonialism in Africa is the police practice of arbitrary mass arrests. These so-called ‘sweeping’ exercises are typically conducted by police over weekends and…

Completed Cases

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Criminal Justice

Malawi: Challenging eviction of Blantyre informal traders

The Blantyre informal traders are challenging forced eviction from the marketplace by the city council.
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Criminal Justice

Malawi: Ending impunity of police officers for rape

Background Section 153 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and Section 4 of the Malawi Police Services Act provide that the Malawi Police Services’ mandate is to provide…
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Criminal Justice

Malawi: Bringing accountability for sexual violence by the police

Background Petty offences are minor offences for which the punishment is prescribed by law to carry a warning, community service, a low-value fine or short term of imprisonment, often for…
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Criminal Justice

Malawi: Challenging detention of children in police custody

Background Detention of children is prohibited under the Malawi Child Care Protection and Justice of 2010. Detention is only allowed in exceptional circumstances. Where a detention order is made against…

Articles

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Articles

Petty policing practices

African Disability Rights Yearbook Volume 12 Petty policing practices: Enforcement of minor offences against persons with psychosocial disabilities in three East African countries By Anneke Meerkotter Anneke Meerkotter contributed an…
Articles

Hardknock life for sex workers

The Weekend Nation 4 January 2024 By Lloyd Chitsulo Despite operating in a country where prostitution is not a crime, Malawian sex workers continue to face rampant abuse and exploitation.…
Criminal Justice News

MALAWI GOVERNMENT COMPLIES WITH THE HIGH COURT ORDERS ON DETENTION OF MIGRANTS

On 2 September 2024, the Regional Immigration Officer in Mzuzu reported back to the High Court on the progress made regarding the ruling of the High Court of 29 July…
Articles

Activists welcome court ruling on undocumented immigrants

The Nation 2 August 2024 By Zororai Nkomo Human rights activists have welcomed the High Court ruling that 30 days should be reasonable time envisaged under the Immigration Act within…

Resources

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Articles

What’s new in the Prison Bill 2025

Weekend Nation 5 April 2025 Chikondi Chijozi The Prisons Act in Malawi was enacted into law in 1956. When Malawi adopted the 1994 Constitution, which entrenched the Bill of Rights…
Articles

Petty policing practices

African Disability Rights Yearbook Volume 12 Petty policing practices: Enforcement of minor offences against persons with psychosocial disabilities in three East African countries By Anneke Meerkotter Anneke Meerkotter contributed an…
Angola

Compêndio de jurisprudência sobre direitos humanos

Entre 2014 e 2024, os juízes e a comunidade jurídica que participaram no Fórum Regional Africano de Juízes (ARJF) discutiram vários casos que fizeram avançar os direitos humanos e a…
Botswana

Recueil de jurisprudence sur les droits de l’homme

Entre 2014 et 2024, les juges et la communauté juridique participant au Forum régional annuel des juges africains (FRAJ) ont discuté de diverses affaires qui ont fait progresser les droits…