A Malawian court has agreed to temporarily suspend proceedings against an 18-year-old man accused of having sexual relations with his 16-year-old girlfriend, after a sexual and reproductive health rights group intervened, arguing his arrest may breach child protection laws. The Mwanza Magistrate’s Court decision to pause the case involving Ayatu Alick has been welcomed by the Nyale Institute for Sexual and Reproductive Health Governance, whose lawyer confirmed the organisation had applied for the stay pending guidance from the Chief Justice. Institute’s lawyer Ralph Mphula explained that the organisation had petitioned the High Court to seek clarity from the Chief Justice on whether the case raises fundamental constitutional questions that must be resolved before criminal proceedings can proceed any further. The intervention has been welcomed by human rights campaigners in the area, with Mwanza-based activist Boxten Kudziwe describing the court’s decision to pause proceedings as a positive development. Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :