Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu on Monday pardoned a gay couple who was sentenced to 15 years in prison over ‘‘unnatural acts’‘. The amnesty was granted for Freedom Day celebration in Africa, a local press said.
The sentencing of 39-year old Japhet Chataba and 31-year old Steven Samba at the end of 2019, caused tensions with the United States.
The U.S Ambassador to Lusaka, Daniel Foote, then said he was horrified by the court’s decision, arousing harsh response in conservative Zambia.
The U.S recalled its ambassador after President Lungu said the ambassador was no longer welcomed in the country.
Chataba and Samba are among 2,984 prisoners pardoned by President Lungu, the newspaper reported.
Zambia does not explicitly prohibit homosexual relations, but its Constitution frowns on ‘‘any carnal relations against natural order’‘.
Latest Stories
-
‘Dumsor’ to hit parts of Accra and Tema today
10 mins -
Energy transition threatens survival of GNPC – PIAC warns
21 mins -
ECG fails to comply with PURC directive to publish ‘Dumsor’ timetable
33 mins -
Tullow, partners affirm commitment to support coastal communities
56 mins -
Creative Addictions: Documentary on drug use among celebrities premieres on Joy News, Joy FM, Joy Prime
1 hour -
‘There is something mysteriously amiss somewhere’ – Gabby Otchere-Darko on ‘dumsor’
2 hours -
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs: What we know about the accusations against him
2 hours -
Education giant Excel-Plus Education set to host 2024 Study Abroad Fair at Accra City Hotel
2 hours -
Newmont unites communities through sports as it hosts intercommunity football gala in Akyem
2 hours -
Zoomlion Ghana Limited donates to support 8-year-old leukaemia patient
2 hours -
Telecel Ghana and Huawei sign new framework contract to provide better network experience
2 hours -
Hotter countries generate more food waste per capita in households
2 hours -
Kwaku Antwi-Boasiako: Eunuchs and Homosexuality
2 hours -
NIC and partners commit to improve insurance coverage through inclusive insurance
2 hours -
Thieves ransack Obuasi Hospital Medical Superintendent’s residence
3 hours