LGBT
Two transgender Cameroonians were sentenced on Tuesday to five years in prison in Cameroon, where gay sex is illegal, for "attempting homosexuality", their lawyer told AFP.
Loïc Djeukam, well-known on social media under the pseudonym Shakiro, and Roland Mouthe alias Patricia, were jailed in February.
They were found guilty of "attempting homosexuality, outraging public decency and possessing faulty national IDs", lawyer Richard Tamfu told AFP, adding that he would appeal.
They were also fined 200,000 CFA francs (300 euro, $365) and order to pay court costs of over 30 euros -- a large sum in this country -- "and risk additional jail time if they fail to pay," he said.
"It's a hammer blow. It's the maximum term outlined in law," said Alice Nkom, the head of the Association for the Defence of Rights of Homosexuals.
"The message is clear: homosexuals don't have a place in Cameroon."
Homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon, with prison terms ranging from six months to five years and fines of up to 200,000 CFA francs.
Human Rights Watch in April deplored the discrimination suffered by gay people in Cameroon, including even torture.
Go to video
Namibia : Manhunt as ‘dangerous’ suspects escape cell
02:20
Cameroon opens museum honouring one of its oldest and most influential kingdoms
Go to video
Cameroon: Sports ministry signs new coach, controversy endures
Go to video
With the Anti-Homosexuality Act upheld, will Uganda loose more donor funding?
02:02
Cameroon: Football fans react to the controversy over appointment of new coach
Go to video
Cameroon soccer federation “astonished” to learn sports ministry has hired national team coach