In Senegal, a trial involving 12 men accused of being homosexual concluded with a severe indictment by the prosecutor. The men, who have been in custody since August 2026, face charges of association of wrongdoers and unnatural acts. The prosecutor has requested an 8-year prison sentence and a fine of 5 million FCfa for each defendant. The charges stem from a major crackdown by the Ziguinchor gendarmerie in August.
The case began with a significant operation by the Section de recherches de la gendarmerie de Ziguinchor, which dismantled a clandestine cell comprising individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. The group included tailors, merchants, motorcycle taxi drivers, a cook, a student, a commercial promoter, and a nurse. The defendants have denied all accusations, but the prosecutor presented evidence extracted from their smartphones, including encrypted WhatsApp exchanges and explicit multimedia content.
During the trial, which lasted four hours, the prosecutor used technological evidence to challenge the defendants' denials. The investigation found that five of the defendants tested positive for HIV during a voluntary screening while in custody. However, the prosecutor dropped the charge of voluntary transmission of HIV due to a lack of contradictory clinical expert reports.
The defendants were confronted with data extracted from their smartphones by cybercrime experts, revealing extensive histories of encrypted exchanges on WhatsApp and explicit multimedia content. The trial was initially set for October 13 but was postponed to a secret hearing by the trial president, citing article 388 of the Code of Penal Procedure to protect the intimacy of the debates.
The prosecutor's severe indictment has sparked concerns about the case's potential outcome. The defendants are being held in a citadel of silence, awaiting the verdict on November 10. If the court validates the prosecutor's request, the defendants will face significant prison time. The case has garnered attention due to its severe charges and the sensitive nature of the accusations.
Human rights groups and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights have expressed concerns about the treatment of homosexuals in Senegal. The country's laws against homosexuality are strict, and those convicted face severe penalties. The case highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal and the need for greater understanding and protection of their rights.
The verdict in the case is expected on November 10. If the court follows the prosecutor's recommendation, the defendants will receive lengthy prison sentences. The case has sparked a national conversation about LGBTQ+ rights and the need for greater tolerance and understanding in Senegalese society.
Key points
- The prosecutor has requested an 8-year prison sentence for 12 Senegalese men accused of being homosexual.
- The defendants face charges of association of wrongdoers and unnatural acts.
- The case has sparked concerns about LGBTQ+ rights in Senegal and the need for greater understanding and protection.
