This article assesses the state of media freedom in Malawi by drawing on concrete
examples of violations that have undermined the commitment to the universal
declaration of human rights, the very principles to which the country is a signatory.
The article also analyses the violations of the set of principles found in the
constitution and other government declarations. Given the public protest and debate
regarding these repressive actions, there is growing concern about violations and
abuse of media freedom in Malawi. Thisstudy shows that Malawi has developed
and adopted some key policy and legislative instruments for the promotion of
media freedom. However, colonial and post-colonial legal instruments, especially
laws enacted during the one-party system of government, continue to be damaging
negative limitations on media freedom. This has prompted an outcry from various
media organizations, religious groups, civil society organizations and international
human rights bodies.