The Nkukula Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Dowa has released on bail Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa, together with 11 others who were arrested on Wednesday this week.

Namiwa and the 11 others were arrested at Parliament building after holding a vigil in protest over the issues surrounding the smuggling of Loan Authorisation Bill to the August House.

Among other bail conditions, the court has directed that all the accused persons pay a K20, 000 cash bond and produce one reliable and traceable surety bonded at K50, 000 non-cash each.

In addition, the court has directed that the accused persons should be reporting to Area 30 police headquarters in Lilongwe every fortnight on Tuesdays.

Despite ruling that the offense is a misdemeanour, the court has directed the accused not to engage in any demonstration against procedures in the Police Act.

On his part, Namiwa said his arrest is a motivation that he continues providing serious checks and balances on how the Tonse led government is running its affairs.

Meanwhile, Senior Resident Magistrate Cecelia Onsewa has adjourned hearing of the trial to September 13, 2021.