Malawi Couple Separated in Jail

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, the Malawi couple sentenced to 14 years in prison last week for holding a public engagement ceremony, have been placed in separate prisons after spending months in the same facility.

According to CNN International, Monjeza was moved from the facility where the couple had been held since their arrest in December.

"It was not clear why Steven Monjeza was moved from Chichiri prison, where he had been serving time with his partner, Tiwonge Chimbalanga," reports CNN International. "The pair was sentenced last week to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of gross indecency and unnatural acts.

"Though in separate cells at Chichiri, the men were able to see each other briefly 'from time to time,' said Peter Tatchell, a London-based gay rights activist who has been advocating for the men."

A Malawi-based human rights campaigner told CNN International that Monjeza was not the only prisoner moved to another facility and that he would learn more when he visits Monjeza in the new prison Thursday.