By Burnett Munthali
In a show of unwavering support, Hon. Mary Navicha, a prominent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker, has joined other party members and sympathizers in solidarity with Hon. Sameer Suleman, who remains detained at Wanela Police Station in Blantyre. The arrest of Suleman has stirred political tension, with the DPP alleging targeted persecution against its members.
Speaking at the police station, Hon. Navicha decried the treatment of Suleman, describing it as politically motivated and unjust. “This is not just an attack on Hon. Suleman but an attack on democracy itself. As leaders, we have a duty to stand by one another in the face of injustice,” she said, addressing a crowd of supporters gathered at the station.
Navicha highlighted the critical role Suleman has played in holding the government accountable, emphasizing that his detention is an attempt to silence opposition voices. “He has spoken truth to power, and for that, he is being punished. But we will not be silenced, and we will not rest until justice prevails,” she added.
Navicha’s presence at Wanela Police Station underscores the growing support for Suleman from across the DPP and the wider public. Several party members, including Hon. Chifundo Makande, Grace Kwelepeta, and Yousuf Nthenda, have already condemned Suleman’s detention as a deliberate act to intimidate the opposition.
Supporters at the scene chanted slogans calling for Suleman’s immediate release, with some carrying placards that read, “Justice for Sameer” and “No to Political Persecution.”
Hon. Navicha also called on the legal fraternity to intervene and ensure that Suleman’s rights are upheld. “Our lawyers must act swiftly to challenge this detention. We cannot allow such blatant abuse of power to continue unchecked,” she said.
As the demonstrations continue, authorities at Wanela Police Station have yet to issue a formal statement regarding Suleman’s detention. However, sources within the DPP suggest that the arrest is linked to Suleman’s outspoken criticism of government policies and alleged corruption.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with analysts warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in Malawi’s democratic institutions. Political commentators argue that the government must tread carefully to avoid perceptions of authoritarianism.
As the situation unfolds, Hon. Mary Navicha and other DPP leaders have vowed to keep pushing for Suleman’s release. “This is a fight for justice, not just for Suleman, but for all Malawians who believe in freedom and fairness,” Navicha concluded.
The coming days will reveal whether the mounting pressure from the DPP and civil society will lead to Suleman’s release or further deepen political divisions in Malawi.
