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Gay News: Sentenced for being gay, Monjeza and Chimbalanga have now been separated
By: Nigel Robinson
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga
Malawi gay couple forced apart by authorities
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, the Malawi couple, who were sentenced last week to fourteen years’ hard labour for being gay , have been split up.
The couple were originally imprisoned in separate cells at Chichiri prison, but Steven Monjeza has now been transferred to the notorious Zomba prison.
Their lawyers have launched an appeal against the sentence, which has received worldwide condemnation and even in Malawi is seen as being excessive. The appeal is expected to be heard in June.
Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, who has campaigned for the couple, said that their enforced separation is “a cruel, malicious and vindictive attempt to cause the couple psychological distress and heartache”.
In a statement Tatchell said:
"Previously, the couple were jailed together in Chichiri prison, where Tiwonge remains. Although held in separate cells, in Chichiri they were able to see each other briefly from time to time.
"Now they will have no contact at all. This move will be particularly hard for Steven. Of the two, he is more vulnerable and stressed. Tiwonge, in contrast, is robust and resilient.
"I fear that this separation may have an adverse impact on Steven's mental and physical well-being. He was seriously ill for a month and is still not fully well.
"Now they will have no contact at all. This move will be particularly hard for Steven. Of the two, he is more vulnerable and stressed. Tiwonge, in contrast, is robust and resilient.
"I fear that this separation may have an adverse impact on Steven's mental and physical well-being. He was seriously ill for a month and is still not fully well.
“His isolation from Tiwonge is likely to be a severe blow to his morale. It could cause his health to relapse.”
"Last weekend, just days after they were sentenced to fourteen years hard labour on charges of homosexuality, reports from inside Chichiri prison said that both Tiwonge and Steven were cheerful and in good spirits.
"Last weekend, just days after they were sentenced to fourteen years hard labour on charges of homosexuality, reports from inside Chichiri prison said that both Tiwonge and Steven were cheerful and in good spirits.
“Despite their harsh sentence, they seemed unbowed and determined to carry on their fight for justice.”
Tatchell reports that the couple’s lawyers are optimistic that on appeal Steven and Tiwonge’s fourteen-year sentence would be reduced or even annulled.
However he goes on to say:
However he goes on to say:
"I hope they are right but I am sceptical, given that the High Court refused to give Steven and Tiwonge bail and refused to rule that their prosecution was unconstitutional.
“My fear is that the appeal court may reduce the jail term but not revoke it”
Last week Madonna launched an email campaign condemning the sentence and calling for equality and human rights in Malawi. Sign it here
To ask your local MP or MEP to write a letter of protest to the Malawian President and the Malawian High Commission in London contact them here
