Judge delays Malawi impeachment

Mutharika's supporters say he is being targeted because of his fight against corruption

The High Court in Malawi has delayed the latest move by opposition MPs to impeach President Bingu wa Mutharika.

More than 80 MPs signed a motion on Friday ordering him to appear before parliament next week to answer charges of improperly using state funds.

But Judge Richard Chinangwa said he needed more time to review the legality of the impeachment proceedings.

Since his election in 2004, President Mutharika has fallen out with the former ruling United Democratic Front.

On Friday, MPs loyal to Mr Mutharika stormed out of parliament, accusing the opposition of not respecting parliamentary rules.

'Sad day'

Constitutional Affairs Minister Henry Dama Phoya described the events as "a sad day in the history of parliament in Malawi".

The UDF - which backed President Mutharika in the 2004 election - and the Malawi Congress Party accuse him of using state funds to finance the Democratic Progressive Party he set up in February.

His supporters say the impeachment drive is revenge for his anti-corruption drive.