A grouping of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is calling on the state to immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against director general of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Martha Chizuma.

The grouping made the call this afternoon during an impromptu press briefing in relation to the arrest of Chizuma this morning who is currently on police bail.

On reports of abuse Chizuma faced during the time of her arrest and in custody, the Malawi Human Rights commission has been asked to investigate the matter.

Chizuma; arrested this morning

While giving government a three day ultimatum to address their demands, the grouping has asked for assurance from government that Chizuma will be given a room to work with pressure and interference.

They CSOs consist of Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Youth and Society, Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency and NGO Gender Coordination Network

According to police statement, they arrested Chizuma following a complaint by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Steve Kayuni who felt pained with Chizuma’s remarks in the leaked audio.

Police have since charged her with making use of speech capable of prejudicing a person against a party to judicial proceedings contrary to section 131(1) d of the penal code.