Malawi gay couple freed after pardon

A gay couple pardoned by Malawi's president has been released from jail, a prisons spokesman said today.

Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were released late last night, hours after President Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned them without condition.

The spokesman stressed that homosexuality remained illegal in the conservative southern African country.

It was not clear where the men went after their release. They were not at their Blantyre home today.

Malawi had faced international condemnation for the conviction and 14-year sentences given to the two men, who were arrested in December, a day after celebrating their engagement.

Malawi is among 37 African countries with anti-gay laws.