Two distinguished ladies’s rights organizations in Malawi have expressed concern over the arrest of Patricia Kaliati, Secretary General of the opposition United Transformation Movement (UTM).

In a joint assertion co-signed by Maggie Kathewera Banda, Board Chairperson of the NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN), and Thandie Mphwiyo, Women in Politics Committee Chair of the Women’s Manifesto Movement, the teams urged the authorities to make sure Ms. Kaliati’s security and uphold her rights.

“We call upon the law enforcement agencies to protect her rights, which encompass the right to a fair trial, the right to be heard, the right not to be subjected to torture, and the right to preservation of her dignity as a woman,” the assertion learn.

Kaliati was arrested on Thursday on allegations of conspiracy to commit a felony, however police haven’t disclosed additional particulars.

The arrest has sparked tensions inside the UTM get together, which is getting ready for its nationwide conference.

The ladies’s rights teams worry Kaliati’s arrest could deter different ladies from coming into politics.

“We hope that her arrest will neither impede the advancements made in the political engagement of women nor deter other women from entering the political sphere,” the assertion added.

The Malawi police have been urged to adjust to the 48-hour rule and guarantee Kaliati’s security.