Senegalese court jails two men for accusing Prime Minister of tolerating homosexuality
In Senegal, two men have been jailed for “spreading false news” after accusing Ousmane Sonko, the country’s new prime minister, of tolerating homosexuality.
Activist Bah Diakhate and Imam Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Ndao were sentenced to three months in prison and fined 100,000 CFA francs ($165, £130) each.
The controversy arose when Sonko allowed Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a visiting French politician to express support for same-sex marriages, prompting the two men to post a video criticizing Sonko.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Senegal and can lead to up to five years in prison.
Sonko, a former opposition leader, was appointed prime minister in April.
He emphasized Senegal’s commitment to managing issues around homosexuality according to its socio-cultural norms.
He stated that while homosexuality is not accepted, it is tolerated in Senegal.
Sonko and his ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye campaigned on a platform promising radical change, including a reset of Senegal’s relationship with France, its former colonial power.
