Two gay men who were given 14-year jail sentences in Malawi last week have been pardoned.
The country's president, Bingu wa Mutharika, announced during a visit by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that he had ordered their immediate release.
They had been found guilty of gross indecency and performing unnatural acts.
When the sentences were imposed last week there was international outrage.
The United States said it was appalled, and Britain expressed deep disappointment.
