Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) in Malawi has urged the country’s Inspector-General of Police to discipline policemen guilty of torturing citizens in the course of enforcing Covid-19 measures.

HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence said in a press conference that his organisation was dismayed over reports of police brutality.

Policemen, according to local media reports, reportedly harass and even arrest people who are not wearing face mask in public.

Malawi police spokesperson James Kadadzera said the force was looking into the matter.

The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) had earlier condemned the use of excessive force by the police.

CHRR said it received reports that the police in Lilongwe were assaulting people who did not wear face mask.

The organisation called on the Minister of Homeland Security to ask the officers to refrain from the alleged violations.

Source: Nyasa Times

Photo source: HRDC