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Better in than out: African country set to make breaking wind a crime

By Colin Fernandez
Last updated at 10:36 AM on 28th January 2011

Causing a stink: The government of Malawi, led by Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, are planning to outlaw breaking wind. Breaking wind is set to be made a crime in an African country.

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.'

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'.

Article found here

13 comments:

Mrs. Beer said...: "Fouling the air" is the best euphemism for farting ever!; February 1, 2011 at 6:55 AM
Pondside said...: Just when I thought that the world couldn't get any stranger..........; February 1, 2011 at 7:33 AM
just call me jo said...: Oh, glory! What will gov't.s think of next. Peeewwweee.; February 1, 2011 at 8:23 AM
Susan Anderson said...: Are they outlawing beans or just leaving that to the individual citizen's discretion?

;); February 1, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Unknown said...: ummm... I don't think I should move there.

just sayin'; February 1, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Cindy said...: Really???? Well my father in law would be put away for life then!!!; February 1, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Lisa Ricard Claro said...: Perhaps the government has stock in Beano and expect this will increase their dividend outlook!; February 1, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...: Now I have to remove Africa from my travel plans, crap!; February 1, 2011 at 5:52 PM
Su said...: Well, that's different. Do they offer any suggestions as to what to do instead?; February 1, 2011 at 7:49 PM
Darlene said...: Unbelievable!; February 1, 2011 at 8:56 PM
karen said...: Whaaaat?; February 2, 2011 at 7:51 PM
Tonya said...: Ah! This is too funny! Nothing like ridding the world of serious crimes coming from serious places! :)
Thanks for keeping us posted of these things.; February 3, 2011 at 12:07 AM
Holly said...: Seriously? Imagine what the jails smell like! Hey, this is weird, I get an email everytime someone comments on my blog except for your comments. No emails when you comment. Do you think that means something? Do you think that the higher powers in the blog world feel that you and I are so connected that I should just "sense" when you comment?; February 3, 2011 at 4:47 AM