Chirwa, Vera (1933–)

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Chirwa, Vera (1933–)

Malawi lawyer and politician. Born in 1933; m. Orton Chirwa (lawyer and politician, died in prison 1992).

With husband, played a prominent role in Malawi's bid for independence from Britain (1964), but political unrest forced them into exile shortly thereafter; while staying in Zambia, was abducted with husband by Malawi security officials (1981), charged with treason, and sentenced to death (later commuted to life in prison); as a result of efforts by Amnesty International, was released (1993).