EXTERNAL (for general distribution) AI Index: AFR 36/44/92
Distr: UA/SC
9 November 1992
Further information on UA 329/92 (AFR 36/40/92, 22 October 1992) and follow-up
AFR 36/41/92 of4 November 1992 - Death in custody of prisoner of
conscience/Legal concern
MALAWI:Orton CHIRWA, aged 73, lawyer and politician
Vera CHIRWA, female, aged 60, lawyer and politician
Reverend Aaron LONGWE, presbyterian minister
a schoolboy
a school receptionist
Amnesty International has learned that Vera Chirwa was allowed to receive a
visit from her children who were visiting Malawi to attend the funeral of her
husband, Orton Chirwa.
In the previous follow-up to this Urgent Action (AFR 36/42/92, 4 November 1992)
it was stated that Orton Chirwa's funeral passed off peacefully. Although
the ceremony itself was peaceful, youths are reported to have beaten to death
a person who was allegedly trying to throw a grenade at the vehicle carrying
members of the Chirwa family.
FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express and
airmail letters in English or your own language:
- welcoming the decision to allow Vera Chirwa's children to visit her and calling
for her immediate and unconditional release.
- expressing concern at reports that several people, including Reverend Longwe,
were arrested because they had expressed concern about the death of Orton Chirwa
and seeking information about the whereabouts and legal basis for the detention
of the schoolboy and school receptionist arrested at the same time;
- calling for their immediate and unconditional release if they are still
detained and for the withdrawal of criminal charges against Reverend Longwe;
- calling for an inquest into the death of Orton Chirwa, in accordance with
the Inquests Act.
APPEALS TO:
1. President:
His Excellency the Life-President Dr H Kamuzu Banda