Yemi Ademowo-Johnson 0

Free Tiwonge and Steven, jailed Malawian Gays, NOW!

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We report with sadness that the gay couple in Malawi, Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were found guilty yesterday by the Magistrate Cout here in Blantyre, Malawi. Tiwonge and Monjeza were charged on three counts of Buggery and gross indency and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment. What is sad is that the Magistrate did not use the evidence from the Medical Doctor , which did not establish that the two actually practiced homosexual acts. Rather, he relied on the confessions of the accused alone. You know some Judges have not lied much on such confessions as they are obtained under duress. The police do use some coercion or force to obtain some statments from the accuseed. None of the witness claimed that homosexual acts were performed. The Magistrate threw the medical report to the dogs. 

Here is what the Judge said when sentencing Tiwonge and Steven  to 14 years

After summarising both sides, the judge said that he believed society of Malawi was not ready to accept son and son to marry, nor daughter and daughter. He does not want their actions to be adopted by others in Malawi and for them to gain hero status. Therefore in deciding their sentence he said it would be a “scary” one, then giving the maximum sentence of 14 years hard labour" 

(Take note that I have this taken quote from a report from my friend who was at the court)!
 
This is very bad way of passing sentence to people. What does he mean that Malawi is not ready? He goes to say that their actions should not be adopted by others.

Malawians are still in the dark and are unaware of the wind of change blowing over the globe on the need to recognise gays, homosexuals and transgender minority groups. Donors have called upon the government to release the two and acknowledge the rights of the minority. Government seems to be adamant, but with donors pressure, things should change for the better for gays in Malawi. Local Human rights organisations are doing their best to promote the rights of gays and help in the case. Commendation go to Peter Tatchell of United Kingdom who has done a GREAT work on this matter. Please let us support him so that he continues with what he is doing. Tiwonge and Steven look forward to your support in their case so that they are released. We are confident that you are with us in this fight 

Regards 
George Thindwa


Hi all,
I would encourage you to write a letter or send a nice postcard to
Steven and Tiwonge. It will help boost their spirits; showing that people around the world care for them.

Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, 
Prisoners, Chichiri Prison,
P.O.Box 30117, Blantyre 3, Malawi

Thanks, Peter Tatchell

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