via BBC ::: A Malawi man has been arrested for putting up signs saying “Gay rights are human rights”. Police said Peter Sawali, 21, had placed posters in townships and along a main highway near Blantyre, the country’s largest city, AFP reports. LGBT rights has become a much-discussed issue in the conservative southern African nation since December when police in Blantyre arrested a gay couple who had celebrated their engagement in a public ceremony. The two men, Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were charged with “gross indecency” and have been held in jail since their arrest. If convicted Monjeza and Chimbalanga could get 14-year jail sentences. Sawali was arrested Saturday and charged with “conduct likely to cause breach of peace”, and would face a fine or a short jail term if found guilty, BBC reports. A police spokesman told Associated Press on Tuesday that Sawali was found with stacks of professionally printed posters. The spokesman claimed that the quality of the signs indicates possible involvement by “international sponsors” and told AP that police are now looking for other Malawi citizens who might have helped Sawali put up the posters.
Last modified: 3 Feb 10 12:12
area_africa, country_malawi