OUT TAKES PART IN MALAWI PROTEST

Published on: 20 May 2010

OUT staff took part in a protest at the Malawian High Commission in Pretoria on Wednesday 19 June, to demand the release of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, who were convicted on charges related to homosexuality.

Organised by Section27, a recently formed human rights health group, the demonstration saw around 50 people holding rainbow flags and signs calling for the couple's release while singing and dancing at the commission’s entrance.

Section27's Adila Hassim said that the demonstrators had gathered to "express their horror at the conviction of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga... because they love each other.

“Only a homophobic, archaic and unjust court relying on colonial laws and spurred by unenlightened politicians and prejudiced mob mentality could have convicted Steven and Tiwonge.

"We assure you that we and hundreds of organisations and tens of thousands of individuals across the world will carry out a sustained campaign for the release of Steven and Tiwonge."

She called on the Malawian government to free the two men and to issue a statement to the world confirming its commitment to protect all people's dignity, equality and freedom as required by the Malawian constitution.

Steven and Tiwonge were found guilty of unnatural acts and gross indecency after they were arrested in December for getting engaged in public ceremony.

On Thursday May 20, Steven and Tiwonge were sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour.

Judge Nyakwawa Usiwa-Usiwa announced the horror sentence - the maximum possible for charges of "unnatural acts" and "gross indecency" under Malawian law - at the Magistrate’s Court in Blantyre.

The couple's lawyer, Mauya Msuku, said that he would consult with his clients to consider an appeal at the high court.

Click here to view more pictures from the protest.