Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga remain in custody
Two gay men in Malawi have been denied the chance to have their case heard in a constitutional court.
Lawyers for Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, had requested a review on whether their trials violated the country’s constitution.
However, this request was rejected by Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo.
The pair have been held in custody since December 28th when they were arrested in Blantyre for holding a traditional wedding ceremony.
They face charges of homosexual sex and indecency and a verdict will be given on March 22nd.
If found guilty, the men could be sentenced to up to 14 years in jail.
One of their lawyers, Mawuya Msuku, told Reuters the pair’s legal team had not yet decided whether to challenge the ruling from Chief Justice Munlo.
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