BLANTYRE, Malawi (AFP) A Malawi court yesterday convicted a gay couple who staged an illegal same-sex wedding of violating "the order of nature", which could land them with up to 14 years in prison.

Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were arrested on December 28, following a symbolic wedding and have been in jail ever since.

Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi, as in most African countries.

"The state has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the two were married," Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa Usiwa said during the more than three-hour hearing in the southern African country's capital.

The judge convicted both men of engaging in gay sex which he said was "against the order of nature", adding that their sentence would be handed down on Thursday.

In unusually graphic language, the judge convicted Monjeza of "having carnal knowledge of Tiwonge through the anus, which is against the order of nature."

Chimbalanga was found guilty of "permitting buggery", which the judge said was similarly contrary to natural order.

The couple gave no reaction as the ruling was read out. Both were well-dressed but handcuffed before the courtroom packed with local and international media, with a heavy police presence outside the court.

Prosecutor Barbra Mchenga urged the judge to hand down the maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, saying "their offence was well planned and well executed."

"The case has left a scar on Malawi's morality," she said. "The two did not show any remorse or regret for their actions. They seem to have been very proud of their action."