Another man arrested in Malawi

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Another man has been arrested on homosexuality charges in Malawi.

According to Associated Press, police spokesman Dave Chingwalu said a 60-year-old man was arrested on Monday and charged with sodomy.

Mr Chingwalu said a young man claimed he was asked to undress by the 60-year-old before the older man had sex with him.

Police in Malawi are conducting a campaign to enforce homosexuality laws and hunt down those breaking them. Gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

Last month, a gay rights activist was arrested for putting up gay rights posters in the city of Blantyre. Peter Sawali, 21, avoided a jail sentence and must undertake community service.

In December, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were arrested for holding a traditional wedding ceremony.

They have twice been denied bail and are pleading not guilty to charges of gross indecency.
Despite the arrests, deputy information minister Kingsley Namakhwa has urged other gay people to come out.

He told Afrique en Ligne: “As far as the Malawi government is concerned we only have two gays in Malawi – Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga.

“If there are others, let them come out in the open.”

But he reiterated that any who did come would be arrested, in line with Malawi’s laws.

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