On 17 March 2012, John Kapito, Chairperson of the Malawi Human Rights Commission, was allegedly approached in Lilongwe by approximately 30 police officers who arrested him and searched his car. He was reportedly taken to a remote police station where he was interrogated without the presence of legal counsel, despite his request that his lawyer attend. The following day, his house was searched. He was allegedly asked by the police what materials he would be taking to Geneva on his forthcoming trip to present information to the International Criminal Court and what reports he would present to the Court. Mr. Kapito reportedly explained that he was not going to a meeting of the International Criminal Court but the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, which has the same acronym (ICC) and of which the Malawi Human Rights Commission is an accredited member.

Mr. Kapito was charged with possession of seditious material and foreign currency. He was, however, granted bail and was able to travel to Geneva to attend the International Coordinating Committee meeting. At the time of the completion of the present report, Mr. Kapito reportedly remains on bail on the charge of sedition.