By Suleman Chitera

The Leadership Institute for Transparency and Accountability (LITA) has issued a strong warning over the arrest and continued detention of Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) executive director Sylvester Namiwa, describing the treason charges against the outspoken activist as a potential threat to Malawi’s democratic freedoms.

Namiwa was arrested last week and remains in custody as he faces treason-related charges, with the High Court of Malawi expected to hear his bail application on Thursday.

LITA executive director Goodwell Logeya has condemned the development, arguing that using treason charges against a civil society activist could have far-reaching consequences for freedom of expression and civic participation in Malawi.

In a statement shared with Nation Online, Logeya said the case represents a serious test for the country’s democratic values and constitutional freedoms.

“Civil society organisations (CSOs) are the backbone of accountability and transparency in Malawi,” said Logeya.

He warned that the prosecution of an activist under treason provisions over the exercise of freedom of expression could create what he described as a dangerous precedent.

“The use of treason charges against an activist for exercising his right to free expression is a dangerous precedent that risks criminalising dissent and silencing legitimate voices of oversight,” Logeya said.

The organisation has consequently called on government to change its approach to civil society organisations and engage them through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Logeya urged authorities to recognise the role played by CSOs in promoting accountability, transparency and public participation in governance.

The statement comes as attention turns to Thursday’s High Court hearing, where Namiwa’s bail application will be considered.

The outcome could become an important moment in a case that has already triggered concerns among civil society actors over the shrinking space for dissent and public criticism.

LITA maintains that civil society organisations should be allowed to scrutinise government decisions and raise concerns on matters of national interest without being treated as enemies of the state.

The organisation’s intervention has also intensified scrutiny of the treason allegations against Namiwa and the circumstances surrounding his arrest and continued detention.

However, the charges remain allegations at this stage and Namiwa is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless and until a court determines otherwise.

All eyes will now turn to the High Court on Thursday as Namiwa’s lawyers seek his release on bail.

The hearing is expected to draw keen interest from civil society organisations, legal practitioners and other stakeholders following the growing debate over freedom of expression, accountability and the treatment of government critics in Malawi.