19/07/2011

Update of CELA activities

With support from the Norwegian Embassy, CELA officers have been traveling to Malawian prisons over the last two weeks to conduct legal clinics.  These clinics are directed toward uncovering abuses of prisoners rights, particularly where the accused have overstayed the time allowed for remand. The prisons attended include Maula and Kachere in Lilongwe, Dedza, Kasungu, and Nkhotakhota.  These visits have revealed many potential cases that can be addressed either in upcoming camp courts or passed to member lawyers to be addressed in the High Court.

Camp courts are scheduled for the coming weekends, with one to take place in Dedza this coming weekend of 22 July. 

CELA is grateful to the Norwegian Embassy for the funds to undertake these important initiatives.

Do not forget to wear red tomorrow for 20 July to show support for Malawian human rights!

18/07/2011

The Injunctions Bill

CELA has lent its support to the reversal of what is popularly known as the  "Injunctions Bill" (Civil Procedures Bill Number 27 (Suits by or against the Government or Public Officers) (Amendment) Bill of 2010).  The bill aims to restrict the courts from granting injunctions against public officers or entities, including those sought by both public and private individuals.

Against strong public outcry, Parliament passed the bill on 15 June, voting 100-40 in support.  It has been said since that if it had been by secret ballot, the bill would not have passed. 

Following this, the Malawi Law Society expressed dismay at the bill's passing, and Lilongwe lawyer Wapona Kita filed for an injunction, which was granted on 20 June, to prevent President Mutharika from signing the bill into law.  The court order can be downloaded in .pdf format as well.

The injunction prevented the codification for a short time, but then in defiance of the court order President Mutharika signed the bill into law on 13 July.  It remains to be seen what will happen next regarding the bill's effects, considering its apparently contemptuous authorization.

11/07/2011

CELA in the news

The Nation recently published a short informational interview with the executive director of CELA, Charles Kasambara.  It gives  general overview of CELA and also functions as a notice that those in need of legal aid may find help by getting in touch with us.

CELA in the news

05/07/2011

Photo essay of Malawian Prisons

This is a link to a photo selection by journalist Joao Silva, a Portuguese born photographer who is based in South Africa.  These photos are compelling, but what may be even moreso is the reality that these photos cast Malawian detention facilities in a rather favorable light.

23/06/2011

CELA Blog

Thank you for inquiring about CELA, the Centre for Legal Assistance, a non-profit non-governmental organization based in Lilongwe, Malawi focused on providing legal aid to those in need and helping to enforce the rule of law to sustain democracy.

This site will serve as a place to gain information regarding CELA's activities as well as a contact portal for the organization for those outside of Lilongwe.  Please do not hesitate to email or call to ask questions about our projects or services.