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tigreetsa -> Steven and Tiwonge, we support you (5/20/2010 7:16:31 PM)
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BACKGROUND
quote:
14 years for Malawi couple is "brutal"
Jailed men could die in squalid prison
Malawi reverts to the mentality of the Hastings Banda dictatorship
Only hope is for Steven and Tiwonge to appeal to the High Court
London - 20 May 2010
"This is an appalling, vindictive and brutal sentence, which tramples on Malawi's constitution, violates personal privacy and reverses the country's commitment to human rights.
"Steven and Tiwonge love each other and have harmed no one. Yet they get a sentence more severe than some rapists, armed robbers and killers.
"With so much hatred and violence in Malawi, it is sick that the court has jailed these two men for loving and caring for each other.
"The sentence echoes the era of dictatorship under President Hastings Banda, when personal prejudices determined law enforcement, and when individual rights were crushed and dissenters persecuted," said London-based human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell of the gay rights group OutRage!.
He was commenting on the 14 year jail sentence for homosexuality, which was handed down today against Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Blantyre, Malawi.
Mr Tatchell has been supporting and advocating for the jailed men since their arrest and detention in December last year; helping arrange prison visits and the delivery of food parcels, medicine, letters of support and clothes to the detained men.
In the 1970s and 80s, Mr Tatchell supported the democracy movement in Malawi and campaigned for the release of the country's political prisoners.
"Fourteen years with hard labour could kill Steven and Tiwonge. Prison conditions are appallingly unhealthy," he said.
"Detainees die in custody. Infectious diseases like TB are rife. Medical treatment is sub-standard. Food rations are very poor nutritional value; mostly maize porridge, beans and water, causing malnutrition. After only five months behind bars, Steven has been seriously ill and has not received proper medical treatment."
Commenting on the verdict, Mr Tatchell added:
"The judge has violated Article 20 of Malawi's own constitution, which guarantees equal treatment and non-discrimination to all citizens. The law under which they were convicted is a discriminatory law that only applies to same-sex relations. It is unconstitutional. The law in Malawi is not supposed to discriminate.
"Malawi's anti-gay laws were not devised by Malawians. They were devised in London in the nineteenth century and imposed on the people of Malawi by the British colonisers and their army of occupation. Before the British came and conquered Malawi, there were no laws against homosexuality. These laws are a foreign imposition. They are not African laws.
"I expect both men will appeal against the verdict and sentence. Steven and Tiwonge's best hope is that a higher court will overturn this unjust, cruel verdict; although a more positive outcome on appeal is uncertain, given the high-level homophobia that exists in Malawian society, including among the judiciary.
"The magistrate was biased from outset. He refused the two men bail, which is very unusual in cases of non-violent offences. In Malawi, bail is normal. It is often granted to thieves and violent criminals. Denying Steven and Tiwonge bail was an act of vindictiveness.
"I appeal to governments worldwide, especially the South African government, to condemn this harsh, bigoted judgement and to urge its reversal," said Mr Tatchell.
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.
The two men's messages were relayed from inside Chichiri Prison in Blantyre, Malawi, to Peter Tatchell of the LGBT human rights group OutRage! in London, England.
Tiwonge and Steven stressed their gratitude for the support they have received from fellow Malawians and from people around the world:
"We are thankful for the people who have rallied behind us during this difficult time. We are grateful to the people who visit and support us, which really makes us feel to be members of a human family; otherwise we would feel condemned," said Tiwonge.
Steven added: "All the support is well appreciated. We are grateful to everybody who is doing this for us. May people please continue the commendable job...Prison life is very difficult."
Peter Tatchell expressed his admiration of the two men:
"Steven and Tiwonge are showing immense fortitude and courage. They declared their love in a society where many people - not all - are very intolerant and homophobic. This was a very brave thing to do. Although suffering in prison, they are unbowed. They continue to maintain their love and affirm their human right to be treated with dignity and respect," said Mr Tatchell.
"They have taken a pioneering stand for the right to love. They love each other, have harmed no one and believe that love should not be a crime. It is nobody's business what they do in the privacy of their own home. There is no evidence that they have committed any crime under Malawian law. They should never have been put on trial. Even prior to their conviction, they had already spent nearly five months behind bars.
"OutRage! is supporting Steven and Tiwonge. For the last four months, we have arranged extra food to supplement the men's meagre, poor quality prison rations.
"We pay tribute to the other people and organisations who are giving legal and medical assistance to the detained men. This is a huge help. Steven and Tiwonge have asked me to communicate their appreciation," said Mr Tatchell.
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga have been sentenced to 14 years in prison for having a homosexual relationship.
I am writing a letter expressing support to both of these men and what I would like to do is to have a thread with messages of support which I can print out and include with the letter so that both Steven and Tiwonge know that they don't just have my support, but that of other people too.
If you wish to write to the men yourself and send your own letter please send me a cmail and I will pass on their address.
Steven and Tiwonge are very much in my prayers and thoughts, and I pray for their release and for a speedy recovery in their health.
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