The Campaign for Free Expression (CFE), in collaboration with Youth and Society (YAS) and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), will host a consultative meeting with journalists and CSOs on 29 February 2024.

The convening aims to engage journalists and CSOs in discussions regarding Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP – legal action aimed at silencing journalists and other critics) and freedom of expression issues that hinder and challenge their work in the country.

As the 2025 Malawi General Elections draw closer, it is crucial to strengthen the networks within free media and civil society to deal with the surge in freedom of expression issues and violations. Access to information, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are key components for an effective democracy that allows for informed and engaging public participation where a free media and robust civil society is necessary for that.

Charles Mhone, Managing Partner at Maxson Arnold and Associates, will start the convening off with an introduction to SLAPP suits, providing a broad overview of what SLAPPs are, their impact on individuals facing them and greater society as well as ways to deal with them. Esteemed Journalists, Peter Jegwa and Martines Naming alongside Mallick Mnela, Journalism Innovator and Director of iHubOnline, will open the floor to allow for dialogues that centre the personal and professional impact of SLAPP suits.

Following the sessions on SLAPPs is an opportunity for a CSO-led dialogue that explores the state of free expression in Malawi — what the realities are and what opportunities and challenges CSOs face amidst these realities. We will close with Anton Harber, Executive Director of Campaign for Free Expression, leading the discussion around collaborative strategies in advocacy, research and legal work in Malawi with the group present.

For inquiries please contact:

Thokozani Mbwana                                                              Angela Mkandawire

Project Manager                                                                      Malawi Correspondent

Campaign for Free Expression                                               Campaign for Free Expression

thokozani@freeexpression.org.za                                           mkangelas@gmail.com

+27 66 200 2857                                                                     +265 888 58 99 63