The arrest, trial, year-long detention and recent acquittal of Philip Mubiana and James Mwape on homosexuality charges demonstrate much that’s wrong with Zambia’s legal, political and social life, along with a few strengths, lawyer Anneke Meekotter writes in the Southern Africa Litigation Centre blog. In the article, she discusses: Political statements “bordering on hate speech.” … Continue reading
Tag Archives: James Mwape
Zambia frees 2 allegedly gay men after year in prison
Breaking news from Zambia: Zambia detainees Philip Mubiana and James Mwape were acquitted today of charges of violating the Zambian law against homosexual activity, human rights activists report. They had been in custody since May 5, 2013. They were arrested after family members reported them to police in response to a nationwide appeal to Zambian … Continue reading
Commentary: Let’s face facts about Zambian corruption
Juliet Mphande, a human rights, media and peace activist from Zambia, writes: ZAMBIA IN CRISIS On June 8, 2014, Zambian deputy minister of foreign affairs Gabriel Namulambe made a well-orchestrated media performance in response to visiting United States of America state department officials. The deputy foreign affairs minister, without delving into what was discussed in … Continue reading
Zambia to West: Don’t watch when we jail LGBT people
Zambian officials took offense this week at the presence of diplomatic observers in a courtroom where two allegedly gay young men are on trial on charges of violating Zambia’s anti-homosexuality law. “US, German support for sodomy-accused disappoints State” stated the headline in the Zambian Daily Mail. “Zambia govt upset with USA, Germany envoys for supporting … Continue reading
Verdict delayed in Zambian anti-gay trial
A verdict has been delayed in the trial of two young Zambian men who have been imprisoned for more than a year on homosexuality charges. The trial had been scheduled to end May 30, but it was delayed, reportedly until June 23. Defendants Philip Mubiana and James Mwape of rural Kapiri Mposhi have been in … Continue reading
Zambian LGBT rights at risk in May 30 verdict
LGBT rights activists are looking forward apprehensively to the end of the trial of two young Zambian men who have been imprisoned for more than a year on homosexuality charges. The outcome of the trial, scheduled to end May 30, not only will determine the future of defendants Philip Mubiana and James Mwape, it may … Continue reading
LGBT in Zambia: ‘How many more lives will be ruined?’
In response to the latest court case against alleged homosexuals in Zambia, the leader of the Zambian human rights organization Friends of Rainka has called for an end to persecution of LGBT people. Juliet Mphande, executive director of Friends of Rainka, said: ”The situation for LGBTI persons in Zambia becomes more urgent than ever. How … Continue reading
6 in court facing anti-gay charges in Zambia, Emirates
In recent days, anti-homosexuality laws have resulted in three court cases involving six defendants in two countries: Zambia: 11 months in prison with no conviction, no bail The trial of James Mwape and Philip Mubiana has been adjourned to April 4, Zambian activists report. The magistrate handling the matter was said to be attending a … Continue reading
10 months in Zambian prison on gay charges; no bail
Approaching 10 months in prison without bail on homosexuality charges, two young Zambian men learned today that their ordeal will continue. Magistrate John Mbuzi ruled that the prosecution’s recently completed case against them was strong enough that the case should not be dismissed. Their trial is expected to resume on March 13, when the defense … Continue reading
9 months in Zambian prison on gay charges; no bail
After eight months in prison without bail on homosexuality charges, two young Zambian men last week saw the prosecution wrap up its case against them. Philip Mubiana and James Mwape were arrested in early May 2013, when family members in rural Kapiri Mposhi reported them to police. If convicted, they would face prison sentences of … Continue reading
