Malawi Gay Couple Sentenced to Maximum 14 Years Hard Labor

A judge in Malawi has ordered the maximum 14 year sentence in prison with hard labor to the gay couple who has been publicly humiliated, jailed since December and detained in substandard conditions. After holding a public engagement ceremony to declare their love to one another, the judge says its the "worst" case he has seen and others "must not" follow in their example.

More than a thousand people packed the courthouse square for the circus-like atmosphere, reports Reuters.

The couple, Steven Monjeza, 26, and 20-year-old Tiwonge Chimbalanga, were arrested after they got engaged in a traditional ceremony in late December. "I sentence these two ... to a maximum sentence because I want us to stop Malawian sons and daughters from copying the same sex marriages which are un-Malawian and not in our culture and religious beliefs," Chief Resident Magistrate Nyakwawa Uisiwausiwa said. "This is the first case of its kind in Malawi ... this is the worst case of its kind," he added.

Dozens of people packed the court to hear the sentencing. Police closed roads around the building and a nearby bank was closed as more than a thousand people descended on the court. Tiwonge was calm as the judge pronounced the sentence, which includes hard labor, but Monjeza was visibly shaking at the prospect of going to jail. Police whisked the two away in armed vehicles shortly after the sentencing.

Monjeza (left) and Chimbalanga were convicted of "gross indecency and unnatural acts." That would be the public engagement ceremony.

Defense lawyers plead for leniency, report the BBC.

"Defence lawyer Mauya Msuku had argued for a lighter sentence, pointing out that the pair's actions had not victimised anyone. 'Unlike in a rape case, there was no complainant or victim in this case,' he said after the pair were convicted on Tuesday. 'Here are two consenting adults doing their thing in private. Nobody will be threatened or offended if they are released into society.' Michelle Kagari, deputy Africa director of Amnesty International, called the sentence 'an outrage', reports the AP news agency. She described the pair as 'prisoners of conscience'n and said Amnesty would continue to campaign for them to be freed."

Defense attorneys will appeal to Malawi's high court.

On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department said it was "deeply disappointed" in the conviction. No word yet will the conviction have any bearing on the State Department's $115 million plus annual foreign assistance budget to Malawi.

The Presbyterian Church in Malawi is pleased with the verdict.

African human rights and HIV/AIDS groups are slamming the ruling. HIV/AIDS activists say it will encourage anti-gay sentiment in the region and dissuade gay men who are HIV positive against seeking treatment.

Watch CNN's report from this week AFTER THE JUMP ...

Comments

[James]

This is so sad. It seems like our country would do more to further human rights across the globe than constantly "expressing disapproval."

[FREELEO]

This is so sad. It breaks my heart because they are my brothers and they did nothing wrong.

I think the best thing that this country can do to advance human rights around the world is lead by example. This nation didn't do away with the last sodomy laws on the books until 1996. SGL people still can't marry in most states. We are routinely harassed by police or any number of government agencies. You can be beaten or killed for just appearing gay right here in the United States.

Before we can remove the splinter from the eyes of other nations, we must first remove the beam from our own.

[jay]

This is beyond horrible and disgusting. Stop a moment and imagine if this were you and someone you loved or a loved one in general. I may be ignorant to this but is there anything we as American citizens could do as far as writing our congress or anything ? Does anyone have any ideas ? I really just want to cry.

[Isis]

Disgusting..... thats all I can say at this point. I'm praying for these men.

[MW09]

This is so horrible and absolutely ridiculous. I wish for their safety and well being...nobody should have to suffer for who they are and who they love.

[KP]

@ FREELEO

Actually, The Supreme Court ruled in "Lawrence v. Texas" in 2003 that sodomy laws in the United States are unconstitutional. Some states still have sodomy laws on the books, though they often are enforced only when the acts occur in the context of rape or prostitution (a way to make the crimes seem more severe and to get harsher sentences imposed).

[ff]

I echo pretty much what James had to say. I know the US cant be in all countries at all times to do something about their atrocities (especially because people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.....we have our own messes to deal with), but this verdict is absurd.