By John Mack Freeman
The government of Malawi is reliant on western governments and NGOs for aid money, and as such, agreed in 2012 to stop arresting and prosecuting people who have participated in same-sex activities. However, a December 2015 arrest of two men then led to Malawi’s Justice Minister to proclaim a moratorium and all new arrests under the law.
This moratorium has been challenged by a judge in the country. Via PinkNews:
However, Malawi24 reports that this week a senior judge in Mzuzu has instructed Malawi Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions to continue to enforce the law, while the government’s decision is “reviewed”.
Judge Dingiswayo Madise claimed that any person who disobeys the order shall be guilty of contempt of court.
It comes after three pastors had sought to challenge the government decision.
Minister for Justice Samuel Tembenu previously acknowledged the viewpoint that no one should be arrested on the grounds of their sexuality or gender identity, and re-committed to reviewing the country’s anti-gay laws.
