NUBIAN KNIGHTS NETWORK: Malawi Male Couple Convicted Of Homosexuality With a 14-Year Hard Labor Jail Sentence

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Malawi Male Couple Convicted Of Homosexuality
With a 14-Year Hard Labor Jail Sentence

Steven Monjeza, Age 26 And Tiwonge Chimbalanga, Age 20

Excerpt From GBMNews.com:

Lilongwe, Malawi (AHN) - A gay couple has been convicted of gross indecency and unnatural acts by a court in Malawi.

The men, Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were arrested in December 2009 after getting engaged and making arrangements for their wedding this year, according to reports.

They have been locked up since then and could face up to 14 years in prison.

The couple’s arrest has been condemned worldwide, and sparked international talks about homosexuality in their country.

According to Judge Nyakwawa Usiwa-Usiwa, the men were convicted of participating in unnatural sex acts.

Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi, as it is in many African nations.

Attorneys for the men insist their constitutional rights have been violated. They hope to take the ruling to the country's high court.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Malawian SGL Rights Protest:
Free Steven & Tiwonge, Repeal Anti-homosexual Laws.
Commonwealth! Speak Out Against Homophobia!
London - Commonwealth HQ - March 22nd, 2010.
Organized by OutRage! and African SGL Activists.
Photos: Brett Lock, OutRage!

Dear Ralph and All,

Big thanks for your concern about the outrageous jail term handed down to Steven and Tiwonge in Malawi today.

There are three things you can do:

FIRST

Send a letter or postcard of support to Steven and Tiwonge. In this difficult time, they need to know that people around the world love and support them. Get all your friends to do the same. Write to:

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

SECOND

Email your Congressperson / Senator. Ask them to protest to the Malawian President and Ambassador.

THIRD

Make a donation by post or BACS electronic transfer to OutRage!'s Malawi Defence Campaign. OutRage! will use all money donated to support Tiwonge and Steven with food parcels, medicine, clothes, blankets etc. and to help fund the campaign for their release.

By BACS electronic transfer:
Account name: OutRage!
Bank: Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank, Bootle, Merseyside, GIR
0AA, England, UK
Account number: 77809302
Sort code: 72-00-01

For electronic transfers from overseas (outside the UK), please
ADDITIONALLY quote this code:
IBAN: GB65ALEI72000177809302

By cheque:
Write a cheque payable to “OutRage!” and send to OutRage!, PO Box 17816, London SW14 8WT. Enclose a note giving your name and address and stating that your donation is for the Malawi Defence campaign.

Thanks for your concern and commitment to justice for Tiwonge and Steven.

See below the OutRage! statement and briefing about the 14 year sentence.

Solidarity! Peter