Making Wind Illegal

(Malawi) Frankly, when breaking wind is made criminal, the government is reaching too far.

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'?

The crime of fart will be prosecuted in a new "Local Court" system which will also punish a range of other new crimes such as insulting female modesty, trespassing on a burial site and pretending to be a fortune teller.

Tip: Charley Nestor