Niger arrests at least 16 for same-sex sexual acts: Report
At least 16 people have been arrested, and HIV service groups say the crackdown is forcing men who have sex with men into hiding.
- On Wednesday, July 1, authorities in Niger arrested at least 16 people, including military officials and civilians, after implementing a penal code criminalizing same-sex sexual acts.
- Enacted in February, the penal code mandates prison terms of five to 10 years for same-sex relations and up to 20 years for same-sex marriage, marking the first criminalization of homosexuality in Niger's history.
- HIV support services have ceased operations due to the 'toxic' climate, as LGBTQ+ populations go into hiding to avoid crackdowns on clubs and organizations, according to an anonymous source.
- Chief executive Ta Braun of the Human Dignity Trust stated the law shows a 'blatant disregard for fundamental human rights law' by criminalizing private, consensual intimacy.
- Reflecting a broader trend across Saharan Africa, Niger now joins 65 other nations banning homosexuality, with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali having passed similar legislation in recent months.
12 Articles
12 Articles
“Truly toxic”: Military junta in Niger arrests 40 in nationwide anti-gay purge
Niger, the former French colony in West Africa, is in the midst of a country-wide gay purge, with dozens of high-ranking officials and civilians arrested and imprisoned. Earlier this year, the government officially banned homosexuality in the country, imposing years-long sentences and fines on anyone found guilty of committing “indecent or unnatural acts” with a person of the same sex. Related Military junta in Niger bans homosexuality with 5 …
‘Witch-hunt’ in Niger as military regime rounds up LGBT people
HIV services upended; up to 40 arrested, 16 imprisoned under new anti-LGBT law. Niger’s military leader and president, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, who seized power in a coup in 2023. (Photo courtesy of AP) Anti-AIDS services in Niger are reeling from a crackdown related to the passage of an anti-LGBTQ law that provides for up to… The post ‘Witch-hunt’ in Niger as military regime rounds up LGBT people appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.
At least 16 arrested as Niger expands anti-LGBTQ measures
Nigerian authorities have arrested at least 16 people following the introduction of harsh new penalties for same-sex sexual relations, marking a significant escalation in the country's stance on LGBTQ rights.
‘Witch-hunt’ in Niger as military regime rounds up LGBTQ+ population
Fears of resurgence of HIV/Aids amid loss of access to PrEP drugs as at least 40 people arrested in ‘toxic’ climateA “witch-hunt” is under way in Niger, where dozens of people have been arrested for homosexuality in the west African state following the introduction of a new penal code earlier this year.Up to 40 people have been arrested and 16 men, including high-ranking military officials, have been imprisoned across the country, according to l…
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