The two men were handed the maximum sentence yesterday, which included hard
labour, under Malawi's anti-gay laws.
The case of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza has drawn international
condemnation and ignited a human rights debate about the conservative
southern African country.
The couple were arrested the day after their engagement party, and were jeered
by a mob as they were driven to prison.
Madonna called upon the people of Malawi and around the world to challenge the
ruling which she described as a "giant step backward".
The singer said: "I am shocked and saddened by the decision made... by the
Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison.
"As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter
what their gender, race, colour, religion, or sexual orientation."
She said of the decision: "Malawi took a giant step backward.
"The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our
basic human right to love and be loved.
"I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi - and around the world -
to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for
all."
Madonna has taken a keen interest in issues in Malawi and has two adopted
children from the country, David Banda and Chifundo "Mercy" James.
Two years ago her documentary about the devastating effects of Aids in Malawi
titled I Am Because We Are, was screened during the Cannes Film Festival.
"I went to Malawi thinking I was going to save children's lives," Madonna said
previously.
"But the surprise was how much they changed me and how much growth occurred
inside of me."
Anche il nostro parlamento dovrebbe intervenire. Martedì pomeriggio per esempio in Commissione Esteri del Senato si discuterà di convenzioni con Azerbaigian, Malawi, Moldova e Cina, convenzione spese riscossione doganamento centralizzato. La Commissione potrebbe rinviare la discussione rispetto al Malawi e farne dipendere le sorti dalla risoluzione della assurda vicenda della coppia imprigionata.
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