Senegal: Brutal Crackdown Violates LGBT People's Rights
[HRW] Mass arrests, Forced HIV Testing, Restricted Access to Legal Representation
Senegal's crackdown on LGBT individuals has violated their rights, causing fear and stigma, according to Human Rights Watch. The government doubled the maximum prison term for consensual same-sex conduct to 10 years and criminalized promotion of or support for LGBT people and organizations. Mass arrests, forced HIV testing, and restricted access to legal representation are part of this punitive action against LGBT people in West Africa.
Human Rights Watch interviewed 39 people, including detainees, civil society representatives, and healthcare professionals, who reported increased arrests, HIV testing without consent, and violations of confidentiality. The Senegalese government should halt this crackdown to protect everyone's rights.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
