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Tiwonge Chimbalanga one of the partners in the Malawian couple pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika is reportedly missing. Chimbalanga, who is trans, and his partner Steven Monjeza were released from prison on Saturday on "humanitarian grounds." The couple was arrested in December 2009 after allegedly holding a "symbolic gay wedding."
Tiwonge Chimbalanga one of the partners in the Malawian couple pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika is reportedly missing, the Zambian Watchdog is reporting.
Chimbalanga, who is trans, and his partner Steven Monjeza were released from prison on Saturday on "humanitarian grounds." The couple was arrested in December 2009 after allegedly holding a "symbolic gay wedding." Just last week, the Malawi Courts convicted the couple of unnatural acts and gross indecency and they were sentenced to 14 years hard labor.
Chimbalanga, also known as Aunt Tiwo, was taken to his home village in Thyolo on Saturday after his release but he has not been heard from since.
Monjeza told The Nation that he does not regret falling in love with Aunt Tiwo and confirmed that he has not been in-touch with his partner since their release.
While announcing their pardon, President Mutharika warned that homosexuality remains illegal in Malawi. Also, the Minister of Gender, Women and Children warned that the couple could be rearrested if they continue their relationship.
Mega star Madonna, who has adopted two Malawian babies over the last year, sent a message to the Malawi government over the weekend calling for the couple's release. "As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. This week, Malawi took a giant step backward."
According to The NY Times, she asked that the progressive people in Malawi, and around the world, "challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all."
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