"1 dead, others hurt in Malawi protests" July 21, 2011|Associated Press
BLANTYRE, Malawi - One person died and several others were injured as antigovernment demonstrations turned violent yesterday and police fired tear gas and rubber bullets, police said.
Malawians said they were protesting persistent fuel and foreign exchange reserve shortages and bad governance. Thousands took to the streets despite a High Court injunction.
Roadblocks were set up to prevent people from traveling to city centers, where cars were searched and people wearing red - the color favored by opposition supporters - were forced to turn around or remove the clothing.
Protesters looted several shops belonging to ruling party officials and allies of President Bingu wa Mutharika.
A police spokeswoman said a man had died, but she could not confirm whether he had been killed by police.
The Reverent Mezuwa Banda said he picked up two people in Mzuzu who had been shot by police with live ammunition. “I don’t know whether they will survive because they were shot badly,’’ he said.
A nurse at Mzuzu Central Hospital said people with gunshot wounds were being treated. “We have more than 10 people in the hospital … some are in a serious condition,’’ she said.
Last week, Britain suspended aid to Malawi, citing a crackdown on rights.
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"Malawi activists cancel protest plans" August 17, 2011|Associated Press
LILONGWE, Malawi - Organizers in Malawi yesterday canceled plans to hold anti-government protests, weeks after security forces met demonstrations with deadly force and the president vowed to quash any attempt at regime change.
Antigovernment demonstrations across Malawi last month came amid worsening economic conditions and complaints about President Bingu wa Mutharika’s increasingly autocratic style. At least 19 people were killed by police when the demonstrations degenerated into looting....
Activists have called for a resolution of persistent fuel and foreign exchange shortages, audits of the finances of Mutharika and his Cabinet ministers, and an end to public threats against those with dissenting views....
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