Farting a crime in Malawi?

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There is an old English saying: Let the wind blow free wherever you may be.  The rest might some day end with this: unless you live in Malawi.  Incredibly, the government, having nothing better to do such as improve the infrastructure, provide jobs, clean up the environment, invest in health care, and provide education, has decided to outlaw the natural passing of gas.  Here is the incredible story from The Daily Mail:

The government of Malawi plan to punish persistent offenders ‘who foul the air’ in a bid to ‘mould responsible and disciplined citizens.’

But locals fear that pinning responsibility on the crime will be difficult – and may lead to miscarriages of justice as ‘criminals’ attempt to blame others for their offence.

One Malawian told the website Africanews.com: ‘My goodness. What happens in a public place where a group is gathered. Do they lock up half a minibus?

‘And how about at meetings where it is difficult to pinpoint ‘culprits’?

‘Children will openly deny having passed bad air and point at an elder. Culturally, this is very embarrassing,’ she said.

Another said: ‘We have serious issues affecting Malawians today. I do not know how fouling the air should take priority over regulating Chinese investments which do not employ locals, serious graft amongst legislators, especially those in the ruling party, and many more.’

Dr. Bingu wa, the President of Malawi and architect of the no farting law

The crime will be enforceable in a new ‘Local Court’ system which will also have powers to punish a range of other crimes in the bill set to be debated in the country’s parliament.

These include insulting the modesty of a woman, challenging to fight a duel, and trespassing on a burial place.

It also outlaws pretending to be a fortune teller, according to local press in the country.

Opposition leaders complain the new courts will be ‘kangaroo courts’.

The idiocy of government never ceases to amaze, but this one just might be the topper!

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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Anonymous
13 years ago

this man is insane

13 years ago

Krell and I will take this as a “Do Not Travel” advisory. Not that we’d want to go there… but I’d rather spend my money on my vacation, not bail!

13 years ago

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Annabelle Heckler, Michael Scott. Michael Scott said: RT @madmike1 Farting a crime in Malawi? http://bit.ly/eAtEjK […]

Centerman
13 years ago

OMG. Is this on Earth or is this just a joke? This is too much humor for one day.

13 years ago

Malawi is different in it’s own special way.

Personally I like to share whenever possible.

Michael John Scott
Reply to  One Fly
13 years ago

LOL Tom. I certainly agree.

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