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Madonna to launch Malawi appeal Madonna begins her Malawi appeal
(about 7 hours later)
Lawyers for the pop star Madonna are set to return to court in Malawi to appeal against a ruling denying her request to adopt a child. Lawyers for pop star Madonna have returned to a Malawian court to appeal against a ruling denying her request to adopt a child.
Last month, the court ruled that the singer could not adopt four year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James. Last month, the court ruled that the singer could not adopt three-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James as she did not have permanent residence in Malawi.
It said prospective parents had to be resident in the southern African state for 18 to 24 months. Madonna was not at the closed-door hearing and a ruling may not be announced for several days.
The man believed to be the little girl's father has also said that he opposes the adoption. The singer has already adopted a boy, David, from the southern African state.
Madonna has already adopted a boy, David, from Malawi. Mercy lives in the same orphanage from which Madonna adopted David in 2006 and has been living there since her 18-year-old mother died shortly after giving birth.
Chifundo James lives in the same orphanage from which Madonna adopted David in 2006. Madonna's Malawian lawyer Alan Chinula said he was "hopeful" the appeal would succeed, and argued the lower court had relied on outdated law to block the girl's adoption.
She has been living there since her 18-year-old mother died shortly after giving birth. 'Opportunist'
James Kambewa, the man believed to be her father, has never met her. Meanwhile, a dispute has erupted over a man claiming to be the little girl's father.
But earlier this week he said he was capable of looking after the little girl and that he wanted her to be raised as a Malawian. James Kambewa, a 24-year-old security guard, told US TV he opposed the star's appeal and had sought help from the Malawi Law Society to stop the adoption.
Although Mr Kambewa acknowledged he had never met the child, he said he now wanted to claim custody.
However Mercy's uncle, Peter Baneti - who is representing the family in the adoption case - said that the family did not know Mr Kambewa.
Mr Baneti said he had agreed to the adoption on behalf of the family, and that Mr Kambewa was "just an opportunist".