A Malawi gay couple has been pardoned by the president after receiving 14-year prison sentences for getting engaged
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were given 14-year jail terms earlier this month after being convicted of gross indecency and unnatural acts.
Suggested Reading
Video will return here when scrolled back into view
The case has sparked international condemnation and a debate about homosexuality in the country.
Mr Ban hailed the president's decision as "courageous".
"This outdated penal code should be reformed wherever it may exist," he said.
The BBC's Karen Allen, in Lilongwe, says Mr Ban is trying to put pressure on parliamentarians to reform anti-homosexuality laws that date back to colonial times.
Continue reading on the pardon at BBC
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.