Parliament adjourns early over HRDC leaders
Parliament has adjourned early due to commotion after Human Rights Defenders Coalition chair Timothy Mtambo and vice Gift Trapence entered the parliament building.
Speaker of parliament Catherine Gotani Hara adjourned the deliberations because the parliamentarians had complained that they were not safe.
Leader of the House Kondwani Nankhumwa advised Hara to adjourn early since many legislators were uncomfortable as they were afraid of their lives.
The adjournment followed unexpected suspension of the deliberations for the business committee to discuss security of the law makers
After the discussions Hara did not clarify on the safety of the legislators hence they demanded to know them while many were booing and some crying.
However, the speaker said the committee had agreed that it will outline them before the adjournment of today’s deliberations.
“Honourable members HRDC officials whom you are afraid of are not in the chamber hence your lives are safe,” said the speaker
Hara gave the floor to member of parliament in Mulanje who said was ready to ask her question to Minister of agriculture, irrigation and water development but not comfortable as she was not aware of her security.
The speaker then ordered MP for Chiradzulu West to present his question to Minister of local government and rural development Ben Phiri but he also made the same sentiments.
However, Hara provided chance to MP for Lilongwe Mpenu who read his questions and the Minister said had the answers but it was not proper to present them as the law makers were afraid of their lives.
She said was not aware of the coming of the HRDC officials.
Speaking earlier in the house Minister of homeland security Nicholus Dausi said they do not want vigils in and around parliament premises saying will disturb their deliberations
In his remarks vice chairperson of HRDC Gift Trapence said it was unfortunate that the house became chaotic when they arrived but they went as citizens to monitor the proceedings
