LILONGWE:A Malawi court is expected to rule on Friday whether US pop singer Madonna can adopt a second infant from the country, a move a prominent local human rights activist said would amount to child trafficking.
Madonna appeared in court yesterday seeking to adopt a four-year-old girl, Mercy James. The case was adjourned until Friday.
Critics had accused the government of giving one of the world’s most successful singers special treatment when she adopted her Malawian son, David Banda, saying it skirted laws that ban non-residents from adopting children.
Malawi civil society groups say they plan to oppose Mercy’s adoption, while aid group ActionAid said the move would not help millions of children living in poverty around the world.
Madonna, in a black dress and sunglasses, did not speak to reporters after the high court case was adjourned. One of her lawyers said outside the courtroom that Madonna was asking to be granted an interim adoption of about 18 months.
The local Nation newspaper has quoted Madonna (50) as saying Malawian friends had told her David needed a brother or sister. – (Reuters)