Zambian police said Tuesday they had arrested four women's rights activists who had taken part in a march against gender-based violence that authorities said was used to support "homosexuality". Same-sex relationships are outlawed in the conservative southern African country and punishable by up to 14 years in jail. Those held include the co-founder and two other members of the Sistah Sistah Foundation, a local non-profit that on Sunday organised a demonstration against gender-based violence in the capital Lusaka, ahead of International Women's Day on Wednesday. On Monday, Zambia's government said the march was used to "champion an illegal and criminal cause." It condemned what it said was the "irresponsible" behaviour of those in attendance, who had chanted and carried placards "in support of homosexuality".

Source: News 24 March 08, 2023 03:38 UTC