A giant image of Madonna is projected onto a hotel
© AFP/File Gabriel BouysBLANTYRE (AFP) - Allan Chinula, the lawyer who obtained an interim order for Madonna to adopt 13-month-old David Banda, told journalists Friday the hearing had been postponed to next October 27.
"We are ready for the case but the attorney general wants to consult with the responsible ministry on the whole adoption process," he told journalists outside the high court in the administrative capital Lilongwe.
"Our position is that all legal aspects were followed."
The Human Rights Consultative Committee, a coalition of 67 local rights groups, has challenged the adoption, saying adoptive parents from overseas are required by law to live in the country for 18 months.
Rights activist Undule Mwakasungura, who represents the committee, told AFP: "We are not necessarily against the adoption ... but we are concerned that laws were flouted and the government may set a precedent that can legalise human trafficking."
"Madonna only spent eight days in Malawi but won a court order (for) temporary custody of the baby for 18 months... Crooks might jump and abuse our children."
The 48-year-old US singer, who had Banda flown out of Malawi on Monday to join her in London, has been roundly criticised in the southern African nation and overseas over the adoption.
"I know they are provocative and I prepare myself but I did not expect the media, the government or any human rights organisations to take a stand against me trying to save a child's life," she said in an interview with People magazine.
©AFP