A presidential pardon has released two gay Malawian men who were sentenced to 14-years in jail, just weeks after their sentencing.
Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned the couple on humanitarian grounds after a meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on May 29.
Ban expressed great confidence in the Malawian Government and hoped this move would encourage the nation to update its current laws to the international standard.
‘[We cannot] stay quiet when people are denied fundamental rights – whatever their race or faith or age or gender or sexual orientation,’ he said.
‘It is unfortunate that laws that criminalise people on the basis of their sexual orientation exist in some countries. They should be reformed.’
International media caught wind of the saga in December last year when the couple was arrested days after celebrating their engagement in a traditional ceremony.
According to Human Rights Watch, the men told their lawyers they were beaten by officers when in police custody and confessed to having engaged in homosexual acts.
Having been twice denied bail, the High Court incarcerated the couple ‘for their own safety’ till their trial in January.
Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were charged for unnatural offences and indecent practices between males under Malawi’s criminal code.
Associated Press reported crowds of Malawians heckling the two during the court hearings with some even suggesting sentences harsher than 14-years of hard labour.
Since the arrest however, media and human rights organisations have been increasing their pressure on the country, creating a global backlash.
Joseph Amon of Human Rights Watch told Associated Press the president was no doubt responding to the international outcry over the case.
‘I hope that other leaders of African countries with anti-gay laws see that this is just not acceptable in the international community,’ Amon said.
Despite their release, little change is expected for gay rights from the Malawian Government.
Malawi’s Minister for Gender Patricia Kaliati told the BBC the couple couldn’t continue their relationship now that they had been released.
Ms Kaliati said they could be rearrested if they ‘continue doing that’.
Benn Dorrington
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