Madonna accepts ruling

Dec 1, 2006, 13:30 GMT

Madonna © Photorazzi

Madonna has accepted a High Court ruling allowing human rights groups to monitor her adoption of a Malawi baby.

Madonna's lawyer Alan Chinula - who was speaking outside a court in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi - said: "Madonna and Guy Ritchie have called me from London and I have explained to them the ruling. They have no problem with the ruling and are willing to sit back and wait."

Judge Andrew Nyirenda ruled the Human Rights Consultative Committee and the state-run Malawi Human Rights Commission were "friends of the court" and could pursue their application for a full review of Madonna's interim custody order for 14-month-old David Banda.

A coalition of 67 Malawi groups lodged a petition to the court insisting the law did not permit intra-country adoption. The group also asked to be involved in assessing Madonna's suitability as a mother to David.

They claim the government has cut legal corners to "fast-track" the adoption and demanded new regulations are installed to protect children.

Malawi law states that prospective parents must undergo an 18 to 24-month assessment period in the country. Madonna and Guy were allowed to take David to their London home, where they will be visited twice for assessment.

Madonna has denied using her status and wealth to fast-track the process.

(C) BANG Media International