Malawi Court sustains lockdown injunction

High court in Lilongwe has sustained an injunction restraining the 21 day lockdown introduced by government.

Presenting the ruling judge Kenyatta Nyirenda ordered the defendants in the case to pay costs of the proceedings.

However, Nyirenda said will present the matter to chief justice for certification.

He stayed the costs pending the decision on the certification.

The court had set Wednesday 29 April for a ruling on the injunction obtained by Human Rights Defenders Coalition HRDC .

Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda has announced this after hearing from lawyers of HRDC only as the defendants led by attorney general Kalekeni Kaphale did not show up.

During the hearing lawyer representing HRDC Sullivan Kagundu asked the court to condemn the attorney general’s approach on the matter saying not availing himself in court shows lack of respect.

“The court should order the state pay all costs incurred in the case,” Kagundu said

In an interview lawyer of HRDC Khwima Mchizi said they asked the court to maintain the order stopping government from imposing the lockdown because people’s rights will be violated.