Africa
HUNDREDS ARRESTED AS SENEGAL’S TOUGHER ANTI LGBTQ LAW DRIVES PEOPLE INTO HIDING
Hundreds of people have been arrested in Senegal this year under laws criminalizing same sex conduct after parliament sharply increased penalties in March. Human Rights Watch says RADDHO documented at least 212 arrests between February and July, while the HIV Justice Network reported more than 300 and current reporting places the wider figure at at least 320. Rights groups say fear of arrest has driven some LGBTQ people into hiding and discouraged others from seeking HIV treatment. Senegal’s government says the tougher law reflects national cultural and social values and has broad political support.
BigV•2h ago•1 min read