LGBTI ARBITRARY ARRESTS ON THE INCREASE - SENEGAL

Mongezi Mhlongo & Jerina Messie (BTM Reporters)

SENEGAL – 21 August 2009: The bothersome increase of arbitrary arrests in Senegal has prompted The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and the Inner Circle to call for immediate action to curb this escalating trend.

This comes after recent reports of yet another alleged case of arbitrary arrest of four men from the city of Darou Mousty in the Loouga region, Senegal where a 17 year old minor will stand trial accused together with two other men on charges of sexual acts against nature with the other accused charges yet still unknown.

According to IGLHRC the latest development in Senegal will incite severe implications to those identified as homosexuals.

“This is yet another indication that gay men and those perceived to be gay are in grave danger in Senegal”, said IGLHRC Executive Director, Cary Alan Jonson, reports www.iglhrc.org

Behind The Mask contacted a member of an HIV/AIDS NGO, in Senegal, ENDA Sant’e who wanted to remain anonymous says nothing has been confirmed yet.

“I have no information about a trial or the sentencing of the two men. People call us from outside and ask questions but investigations on the field are not successful because nothing has been confirmed”, he said.

Djibril Badiane of The National Organisation for Human Rights (ONDH-Senegal) has confirmed that indeed four men have been arrested but refused to comment any further.

The evident arbitrary arrests in Senegal have been noted throughout 2008 and this year.
Early this year, April 2009, the Dakar Court of Appeals of Senegal handed down its decision to free nine members of the AIDES Association arrested and then imprisoned in December last year.

Homosexual acts are criminilized under Article 3.913 of the Senalese penal code, homosexual acts are punishable by imprisonment of  between one and five years and a fine of 100, 000 CFA francs to 1, 500 000 francs.

“There are differences in opinion and interpretation of homosexuality within Muslim circles and it is for the State to investigate these and adopt those interpretations that are not excluding people or infringing on their human rights”, said Muhsin Hendricks, Director of The Innercircle.

He further highlighted that “It is also for the state to engage with structures that are looking at the best interest of its people and the workability of the Senegal community”, added Hendricks.