Malawi’s President Joyce Banda on Friday took a strong stand against rape and child defilers in the country after she refused to pardon eleven prisoners enlisted for pardoning because they were child rapists.

The eleven inmates were on the list of over 370 inmates prison authorities recommended for the presidential pardon as part of this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

In her address during prayers to mark the independence celebrations, President Banda announced that she has forgiven 366 in mates and rejected the eleven inmates because what they were convicted for was unforgiven.

Banda said she has no sympathy for such prisoners although the recommendation of the prison authorities was on health grounds.

“I understand the 11 have health problems. Some of them their lungs have deteriorated, but no, let them rot there, we shall carry their remains home. But they don’t deserve any pardon,” said President Banda.