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Malawi rights activist released on bail

By AFP
Malawi Rights activists have recently come under fire from security officials in the poor southern African nation.  By  AFPFile
MAR 18, 2012 LISTEN
Rights activists have recently come under fire from security officials in the poor southern African nation. By (AFP/File)

BLANTYRE (AFP) - Malawi's leading rights activist John Kapito, who was detained by police for possession of foreign currency, has been released on bail, a spokesman for the country's rights body said Sunday.

Kapito was charged with two counts of carrying seditious material and illegal possession of foreign exchange, he said.

"Kapito was released on police bail last night after a two-hour search at his home where police said they were looking for guns and T-shirts he had printed that had words promoting the overthrow of the government," Mike Chipalasa said.

According to the police, Kapito -- who chairs the state-funded Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) -- had US dollars and euros without "valid bank documents".

The outspoken critic of the government of President Bingu wa Mutharika was due to attend human rights conference in Switzerland later this month.

"He will still travel to Switzerland for the meeting, where he is to present a report on the human rights situation on March 26," Chipalasa said.

Rights activists have recently come under fire from security officials in this poor southern African nation, accused of organising public protests against Mutharika's failure to curb poverty.

The present economic meltdown in Malawi has caused a severe shortage of foreign exchange, creating a thriving black market for foreign cash.

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