В Малави полиция подвергнута критике за использование наручников с детьми, задержанными по подозрению в грабеже

The Malawi Police Service is under fire for handcuffing four children arrested in connection with alleged robberies around Ginnery Corner in Blantyre. The children, aged between 12 and 17, were arrested after a video allegedly showing them attacking and robbing a member of the public was circulated on social media. Police launched investigations after the video emerged and arrested the four suspects. The arrests have been welcomed by some members of the public, but a photograph showing the children in handcuffs has raised concerns over how they were treated. Lawyer Ousman Kennedy says police officers could face disciplinary action if they are found to have acted against the law. Section 90 of the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act says a child should not be handcuffed during arrest, except where the child is handcuffed to the police officer or another person making the arrest. Kennedy says children in conflict with the law should also have their identities protected. He says photographing children in handcuffs and exposing them publicly could lead to stigma and make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. Child rights advocate Amosi Chibwana has also questioned the manner in which the children were arrested. He says police must follow procedures provided under child justice laws when dealing with children suspected of committing offences. “No matter how the child offends, a child is a child,” Chibwana said. He also cited Section 23 of the Constitution, which requires authorities to consider the best interests of the child. The concerns come as police intensify efforts to deal with alleged robberies around Ginnery Corner. Child rights advocates say authorities must protect the public while ensuring that children suspected of offences are treated according to the law.