By Bridget Makawa and Chrissy Mwale
The High Court in Lilongwe has ordered Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Silvester Namiwa to comply with the conditions attached to his bail.
Judge Mzonde Mvula issued the order today following an application by the State seeking to revoke Namiwa’s bail over a press conference he held on 4 September 2026.
Director of Criminal Litigation Dzikondianthu Malunda argued that Namiwa’s appearance at the press conference breached his bail conditions, noting that the statements which led to his treason charge were also made during an earlier press conference.
Malunda emphasised that Namiwa’s original treason charge was triggered by statements made during a previous press conference, making his recent media appearance a repeated offence under his bail terms.
However, Namiwa’s lawyer, Gladwell Majekete, argued that his client did not discuss his ongoing court case during the 4 September press conference and was exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Judge Mvula said the ruling on Namiwa’s recent press conference shall be pronounced alongside the hearing of his main case during the court sessions set between October 20 and 22 this year.
