Malawi Police Seize Journalists’ Equipment Over Fake Facebook Account

Greyson Chapita, former MBC employee, says police found nothing when they searched his phones and laptop. (Photo courtesy of Greysson Chapita) Screenshot of original MBC Facebook account.

Police in Malawi have seized mobile phones and laptops from at least 14 journalists working at the state-run Malawi Broadcasting Corporation or MBC. The journalists are suspected of running a fake Facebook account bearing MBC’s name, where they allegedly posted false and anti-government stories. Press freedom groups have faulted the police for invading the journalists’ privacy.