Malawi Magistrate Delays Sentencing And Rules Gay Couple Can Call Defence Witnesses

From Malawi, Magistrate Nyakawawa Usiwausiwa surprised most everyone Monday, ruling that the two men who have imprisoned and stand accused of gross public indecency and unnatural acts between men since late December, have a case to answer and are entitled to a trial, saying that although prosecutors have established a case against Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steve Monjeza, attorneys acting in their defence are able to call witnesses. The trial is expected to resume in April, both men having been taken back into custody. It was thought the two would be sentenced today, likely to fourteen years of hard labour.