Two gay Malawian men face prison terms of as long as 14 years each after a domestic court found the couple guilty of “unnatural acts and gross indecency.”

Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were convicted by Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa Usiwa today in a court in the commercial capital, Blantyre.

“The state has proven beyond reasonable doubt that these gentlemen had sex despite them being male, which is against the law of Malawi,” Usiwa said. The two will be sentenced on May 20.

With so much hatred and violence in the world, it is bizarre that any court would criminalise two people for loving each other.

Prior to the verdict, Tiwonge and Steven issued a defiant message from their prison cell. It affirmed their love for each other and thanked their supporters in Malawi and worldwide.

Tiwonge said: “I love Steven so much. If people or the world cannot give me the chance and freedom to continue living with him as my lover, then I am better off to die here in prison. Freedom without him is useless and meaningless.” 

 “We have come a long way and even if our family relatives are not happy, I will not and never stop loving Tiwonge,” said Steven.

Write a letter to Steven and Tiwonge

Help boost their spirits. Show them you care. Send a letter or postcard of support to Steven and Tiwonge:

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

Sixty-seven British MPs have signed a House of Commons Early Day Motion (EDM 564), which condemns the arrest and trial of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga.

Amnesty International has adopted Steven and Tiwonge as Prisoners of Conscience .