A gay couple who were jailed in Malawi have been pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika.
Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were given 14-year jail terms after being convicted of gross indecency and unnatural acts.
Sadly, homosexuality is illegal in at least 37 countries in Africa, including Malawi. Aid donors and human rights groups have been putting pressure on his government to respect the rights of minority groups.
The case has drawn international condemnation and sparked a debate on human rights in this conservative southern African country.
President Bingu wa Mutharika made the announcement Saturday during a press conference with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Lilongwe, the capital. He stated, ‘These boys committed a crime against our culture, our religion and our laws,’ he said after meeting Mr Ban, ‘However, as the head of state I hereby pardon them and therefore ask for their immediate release with no conditions.’
Presidnt Bingu wa Mutharika
