Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga made their first public appearance together since Saturday's presidential pardon from their sentence of 14 years' hard labor. The couple was convicted of "unnatural acts" and gross indecency for holding an engagement ceremony. At a brief news conference in Lilongwe late Wednesday, the couple thanked President Bingu wa Mutharika, reports AFP.
"The president has demonstrated that he is a caring father, a considerate and tolerant president. We wish him good health in his everyday endeavours as he continues leading the country to respecting human rights and to economic prosperity," the couple said in a statement.
And:
"The couple asked the media and the general public to respect their privacy. 'So much has been said and written about us, both positive and negative. We think this is the time for us to be given an opportunity to enjoy our freedom,' they said. They called their ordeal 'the most stressful period in our lives.' Chimbalanga told AFP in a phone interview that he was in Lilongwe to 'have a breather', while his partner had returned to his village.
"Mutharika on Wednesday asked the country to stop talking about the couple's 'satanic' wedding. The public mood in Malawi has generally been in favour of the heavy sentence and against the pardon. ;The story ends there,' Mutharika told reporters. 'I don't want to hear anyone commenting on them. Nobody is authorised to comment on the gays. You will spoil things.' "
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were released to their home villages and human rights groups are trying to find jobs for them. Earlier this week, Patricia Kaliati, Malawi's Minister of Gender and Children, told the BBC that Monjeza and Chimbalanga's release "does not mean" they can continue their relationship.
The pardoned couple appeared on Television Malawi. The video needs translation but it is fascinating to watch the couple and the press coverage. Watch it AFTER THE JUMP ...
looks and sounds like an ignorant, homophobic reporter playing judge, jury and executioner. good luck to these two BRAVE, FREEDOM FIGHTERS.
Posted by: tony | 03 June 2010 at 10:52
Tony,
Do you perchance speak chichewa or are you calling the reporter homophobic just based on the tone?
I for one had no clue what they were saying, and though the pace did pick up toward the end between Tiwonge and the reporter, it's pretty speculative to say he was judging them or being homophobic.
I loved the dynamic between the lovers, Tiwonge goes off! Steven is more reserved, it was also cute to see Tiwonge correct Steven's hand and posture like any other couple being interviewed on TV, str8 or gay.
In other news, why is NY state modeling it's new license plates after Malawi?
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 03 June 2010 at 11:29
Wish I knew what they were saying...appears interesting as hell! Can somebody translate????
Posted by: kimba | 03 June 2010 at 12:57
As an African, I find it fascinating that these are two people who appear to be quite uneducated and have never stepped out of the borders of their country. That should put to rest the claim that homosexuality is only occurs among African elites or people in the western world.
Posted by: DU | 03 June 2010 at 13:10
They each seem to be handling the situation with grace and courage.
Tiwonge seems to be reading the kids too ...
I wish them safety in the coming days.
Posted by: bartonhughes | 03 June 2010 at 14:19
Yes Tiwonge seems like he doesn't suffer a fool lightly! I wish I knew what was being said, but if there is transcript out there I know Rod will find it. These men are pioneers in my mind. I wish them nothing but love and SAFETY!
Posted by: Isis | 03 June 2010 at 15:04
What a DELIGHTFUL event after sizzle miami. SOme real news and advancement for Black and African Gay Men! THANKS!!!
Posted by: kirk | 03 June 2010 at 15:28