CLOSED: Malawian couple convicted of 'unnatural offences'

UPDATE: 29 MAY 2010 - GOOD NEWS Malawi couple pardoned by President

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were released from prison after they were granted a presidential pardon. Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika granted the pardon after meeting with Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

While we are delighted that the couple have been pardoned, we remain concerned that Steven and Tiwonge may be subject to future arrest and harassment under the same laws if they continue their relationship, because the presidential pardon applies only to the purported acts for which they were convicted

Thank you to all those who have taken action on this case.

• Read our full statement
• Read more on the Amnesty US blog

  Background to this action

  On 26 December 2009 a Malawian couple, Steven Monjeza (26) and Tiwonge Chimbalanga (20), were arrested allegedly for holding a traditional engagement ceremony (Chinkhoswe) in Blantyres township of Chirimba.
  
  They have been convicted of unnatural offences and indecent practices between males, and sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour. The couple were beaten while in police custody. Amnesty International considers both men prisoners of conscience, imprisoned solely for their perceived consensual same sex relationship, and has urged the Malawian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the couple.
  

  UPDATE: 20 MAY 2010

  Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga have been sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour after being convicted of 'gross indecency' and 'unnatural acts'.

  This sentence is an outrage. The couple are prisoners of conscience and we will continue to campaign for them to be freed. Read the full update

  UPDATE: 18 MAY 2010

  Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga have been convicted on charges of gross indecency and unnatural acts. Their sentence is expected on Thursday and they face up to 14 years in prison. We are continuing to call for their immediate and unconditional release. Read the full update

  UPDATE: 22 MARCH 2010
  A judge today ruled that Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga will face trial in April on charges of 'gross indecency'. Please continue to call on the Malawian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the couple.
  
  On 28 December, the couple were arrested by police after the story was reported in local newspapers. They were charged with “unnatural offences” and “indecent practices between males” under sections 153 and 156 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they face up to 14 years in prison with hard labour. They were beaten while in police custody. Both were subject to forcible psychological assessment. On 6 January a judge denied them bail “for their own safety” and “in the interest of justice.” Their trial began on Monday 11 January. They are held in detention at Chichiri Prison in Blantyre.  If convicted both could face up to fourteen years in prison.
  
  Amnesty International considers Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga to be prisoners of conscience imprisoned solely for their perceived consensual same sex relationship and has urged the Malawi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release them. The arrest solely for their real or perceived sexual orientation amounts to discrimination and it is also in violation of their rights to freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, and privacy. Laws criminalising homosexuality criminalise the legitimate exercise of these human rights, which are protected in treaties ratified by Malawi, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

UPDATE: 29 MAY 2010 - GOOD NEWS Malawi couple pardoned by President

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were released from prison after they were granted a presidential pardon. Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika granted the pardon after meeting with Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

While we are delighted that the couple have been pardoned, we remain concerned that Steven and Tiwonge may be subject to future arrest and harassment under the same laws if they continue their relationship, because the presidential pardon applies only to the purported acts for which they were convicted

Thank you to all those who have taken action on this case.

• Read our full statement
• Read more on the Amnesty US blog

  Background to this action

  On 26 December 2009 a Malawian couple, Steven Monjeza (26) and Tiwonge Chimbalanga (20), were arrested allegedly for holding a traditional engagement ceremony (Chinkhoswe) in Blantyres township of Chirimba.
  
  They have been convicted of unnatural offences and indecent practices between males, and sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour. The couple were beaten while in police custody. Amnesty International considers both men prisoners of conscience, imprisoned solely for their perceived consensual same sex relationship, and has urged the Malawian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the couple.
  

  

Follow up

On Saturday 29 May 2010, 250 people gathered outside the Malawi High Commission in Hampstead, north London to show their support for Steven and Tiwonge. See the pictures now.