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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46681, member: 636"] The Public Affairs Committee strongly criticized the Malawi Congress Party after violent attacks struck peaceful protesters Thursday in Lilongwe. Bishop Patrick Thawale and Bishop Gilford Emmanuel Matonga signed a statement condemning the violence. The religious leaders also blamed police and military forces for failing to stop attackers who carried machetes. PAC officials questioned whether the ruling party paid for the violence against demonstrators. They noted that police would have made quick arrests if opposition members had attacked government supporters. The violence contradicts promises made during a May conference in Blantyre. Inspector General Merlyn Yolamu had pledged to protect peaceful demonstrations at that meeting. PAC leaders said the police response raises serious questions about their independence. The committee dismissed government claims that opposition groups organized the protests. They stated that peaceful demonstrations remain legal regardless of who plans them. PAC demanded immediate arrests of everyone involved in Thursday's attacks. The organization warned political parties against using young people as weapons for violence. Committee members argued that no party has ever won elections through violent tactics. They called such behavior primitive and dangerous for democracy. The statement emphasized that political leaders must protect all citizens equally. The religious organization appealed to all Malawians to maintain peace as the 2025 elections approach. PAC urged state institutions to uphold justice and constitutional principles. The committee warned that continued violence could push the country toward greater instability. They stressed that suppressing dissent violates democratic values. Political leadership requires protecting citizens rather than attacking them. [/QUOTE]

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