Their release didnt appear to 'make the news' like their arrest and trial did.
PLUS a number of links for other GAY news items from the ADVOCATE
more later from me. . .that is a threat. ;-)
~~~~~justin
Monjeza Pleads: "I Need Money"
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, who were pardoned by Malawi’s president and released from prison on Saturday, have returned to their separate home villages, the U.K. Guardian reports.
Chimbalanga, who identifies as a transgender woman, was sent from prison to her family’s home in Thylo, 22 miles from the commercial capital of Blantyre. Monjeza, meanwhile, is reported to be in Chileka, nine miles from Blantyre.
Monjeza’s family members say they are determined to keep the couple apart. Aunt Zione Monjeza told The Guardian, “Nobody wants to see Tiwonge again in this village. If he dares come here, he must do so with police for his protection.” And uncle Khuliwa Dennis Monjeza said, “We want to warn his partner, Tiwonge, that he should never set foot in this village…otherwise we shall deal with him.”
The Guardian reported that when one of its reporters approached Monjeza, he replied: “I can’t just talk to you. I am selling my story Give me K100,000 (about $665).” He then dropped his request to K60,000, adding, “I need money. Good money. I have just come out of prison. I need to survive.”
On Saturday, The New York Times spoke to Chimbalanga via cell phone with the help of an interpreter. “I’ve been under so much emotional stress that I need to find somewhere to rest,” she said. “I still want to marry Steven. But I don’t know what he’s thinking any more. We’ve been through so much.”
Chimbalanga added: “I think it’s going to be hard to stay in Malawi. I am afraid of what people might do to us. We probably need to seek asylum in some other country. Is there a place for us? I don’t know.”
Monjeza and Chimbalanga were imprisoned in December after they engaged in what Malawi officials considered an illegal same-sex commitment ceremony. They were sentenced last week to 14 years in prison on charges of gross indecency and unnatural acts.
Their pardon and release came after U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited Malawi President Bingu wa Muthrika and reportedly told him that the controversy surrounding the couple’s arrest and imprisonment was having a negative effect on Malawi’s international reputation.
In announcing the pardon, Muthrika said, “These boys committed a crime against our culture, our religion, and our laws. However, as the head of state, I hereby pardon them and ask for their immediate release with no conditions.”
Advocate.com will continue to update this story, along with any information—as it becomes available—on how readers may be able to help Monjeza and Chimbalanga.
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Date posted: 5/31/2010 6:22:24 PM
Hometown: Miami
Comment:
These two should start organizing non-violent civil resistence to African homophobia just like Martin Luther King organized peacefully to win civil rights for blacks in the United States. There is no need for these Africans to be driven out of their own homeland. The Whole World is Watching.
Date posted: 5/31/2010 5:23:55 PM
Hometown: Portland
Comment:
They'd be better off going to Canada where they can marry and have healthcare.
Date posted: 5/31/2010 1:10:15 PM
Hometown: union city
Comment:
Im glad they got out of prison, i wish to help in any way i can.
Date posted: 5/31/2010 11:14:15 AM
Hometown: morgan
Comment:
Call the State department and ask that they be granted asylum in the US
Date posted: 5/30/2010 10:55:35 PM
Hometown: USA
Comment:
Frank ... Thank you!
Date posted: 5/30/2010 10:12:24 PM
Hometown: NY
Comment:
That blouse is so fabulous!... is it wrong of me to say that?
Date posted: 5/30/2010 6:52:50 PM
Hometown: Ontario CA
Comment:
Michael - you're right and also not right. Do you remember the story of the kid and the starfish? He's on the beach loaded with tens of thousands of starfish washed up after a storm. A man comes along and watches as he sees him periodically pick up a starfish and sling it back into the water. The guy asks, "What are you doing,kid?" "Saving them." The man scoffed. "What are you, crazy? Look at them all. Look at them all. How is whatever you do going to ever make any difference." The kid just shook his head as he picked up another starfish and tossed it into the ocean. "Makes a difference to THIS one." That what this is. Yes, we need to work to finally help the others trapped in fear, but right now, this is the "one" that we can help and potentially save.
Date posted: 5/30/2010 6:26:54 PM
Hometown: RI
Comment:
well I hate to be the dick here, but can you imagine how many millions of oppressed queers there are in the less-civilized world? I mean, gay people face jail time or death throughout much of Africa and Asia. I wish this couple the best of luck, but if you're gonna be charitable, I really don't think that's the best route.
Date posted: 5/30/2010 6:00:53 PM
Hometown: Sacramento
Comment:
Is there a legitimate trust fund set up to help them leave the country and start over?
Date posted: 5/30/2010 6:00:53 PM
Hometown: Canada
Comment:
Yes, please keep us posted. I really hope that they are both able to receive asylum somewhere...