This has a chilling effect on freedom of expression and the media. Such laws have been used in other jurisdictions to target political opponents, journalists, and activists.
Assaulted
Police assault journalist at magistrates’ court
Samuel Takawira of 263Chat was assaulted by anti-riot police at the Magistrates Court in Harare on 6 April 2021 as they dispersed people from the court premises.
Malawi police assault investigative journalist
A group of 10 Malawi police officers on 22 January 2021 allegedly assaulted an investigative journalist, Henry Mhango, while he was reporting on compliance with COVID-19 regulations.