A representative body of Malawian gays plans to hold demonstrations against the continued 'intimidation and harassment' of two gay suspects kept in custody since December 28.

The Malawi Gay Rights Movement (Magrim) made the resolution at a gays and lesbians meeting held in Blantyre Tuesday morning.

Magrim spokesperson, Wongani James Phiri, said they were unhappy with the fact that Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza continued to be kept in custody, after their arrests some 26 days earlier.

"We are demonstrating on Sunday and our march will start from Upper Kamuzu Stadium through to old Blantyre Town Hall. We demand the unconditional release of the two," said Phiri.

Monjeza and Chimbalanga have complained about the tightness of police handcuffs, saying they were being treated as hardcore criminals when they were not.

The pair was arrested after getting engaged at a traditional ceremony in December. It is believed to be the first gay couple in Malawi to start the process of getting married.

Homosexual acts carry a maximum prison sentence of 14 years in Malawi. Monjeza and Chimbalanga have pleaded not guilty to charges of gross public indecency.

Source: Africanews

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