|
Senegalese homosexuals flee
25 Feb 2008- Dakar,
Senegal- Dozens of Senegalese homosexuals are reported to have fled to
the neighbouring countries [The Gambia and Mali] to escape the looming
threats on their lives.
The Gambia may not be a safe hideout
for homosexuals, considering President Yahya Jammeh's personal hatred of
homosexuality. He had earlier threatened to crush any act of
homosexuality in the country.
Since the publication of a gay wedding in the outskirts of the capital
Dakar in early February, stories on homosexuality have been dominating
news in Senegal. The story - backed by photographs - was first published
by a local magazine, Icone.
Icone's editor has since received several threats for exposing
homosexuals to "social stigma and blackmail."
The publication has flared tempers in the predominantly Muslim nation,
resulting to arrest and detention of homosexuals and all those who
graced the wedding, including musicians.
The detainees were unconditionally released without explanation from the
police. Local media reports alleged that homosexuals were set free as
soon as they threatened to name some high-ranking state officials
involved in the outlawed practice in Senegal.
Senegalese authorities have been under local religious pressures to
avoid tolerating homosexuality in the country, especially as the country
prepares to host a major international Islamic summit on 12 March.
Led by an influential Muslim cleric and lawmaker, Imam Mbaye Niang,
hundreds of people took to the streets of Dakar to protest against the
government's failure to prosecute the gay suspects.
Chanting Allahu Akbar [God is great], the protesters later turned
violent, burning rubbish and blockading roads close to the central
mosque in Dakar.
|
