Malawi: Country not safe for homosexuals

Malawi is quickly becoming unsafe for homosexuals as the country's police service recently launched a campaign to hunt down and arrest prominent people who are suspected of being gay. The police service claim to be investigating issues related to 'homosexual tendencies' as homosexuality is against the law in Malawi. The hunt follows the traditional engagement ceremony of two men, Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, which took place in the country's commercial capital, Blantyre, on Boxing Day. The couple was arrested two days after their union and have since been in custody as they await trial. "We launched investigations because we have information that there are prominent people behind Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza," said Dave Chingwalu, the police spokesman for Malawi's southern region. Top members of society including members of parliament, priests and academics are suspects in the investigation, according to Chingwalu. The police have not divulged the names of the people that are being targeted in the investigation.