Another disturbing report from Cameroon, which boasts one of the Africa's more repressive anti-LGBT regimes. Sébastien Mandeng, the Cameroonian LGBT activist and deputy president of the Association pour la Défense de l’Homosexualité (ADEFHO), was subjected to police brutality and an unlawful detention at a Douala police station on Saturday 31 October. This followed an altercation with a taxi driver, reports Behind the Mask.
"It was very late and we took a taxi. In the taxi we were talking about issues facing LGBTI people and our role as activists. At some point the taxi driver intervened and I then asked him if he supported the LGBTI rights."
Mandeng adds the cab driver took offence, which then made the situation spiral out of control. "He got upset, said he was offended, started insulting me and LGBTI people in general and drove directly to the nearest police station. When we arrived there he became very hysterical, he started screaming, saying that he was an honest and hard working man and he could not stand LGBTI people," said Mandeng.
Mandeng further pointed out that upon arrival at the police station he was locked up in a cell which the officials lied and said was done to protect him. He said that for hours he was kept in custody, and had to endure insults and humiliations from policemen who "asked me questions such as why I did not like women or how I can sleep with other men and things like that." Mandeng also revealed that "at some point one of the policemen wanted to perform an examination on my anal parts to see if I regularly have anal sex. I protested vehemently, threatening to react violently if they ever touched me."
The activist was released after spending the night in jail. No charges were filed.
Sébastien Mandeng was very lucky. Homosexuality is a crime in Cameroon. Convictions carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $450. The central African nation has become infamous for routinely subjecting men accused of sodomy to legal ordeals that continue for years.
Background:
Cameroon Sentences Journalist to 6 Months
Cameroon Sentences Three for Homosexuality
Gay Man Imprisoned for Two Years Without Trial
"Homosexuelle en Afrique"
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested
UN Condemns Cameroon Anti-Gay Laws
Yaoundé 11 Free?
This kind of human rights violation is just revolting and disgusting..It's unfortunatly happening to most of LGBTQs accross the African continent on a daily basis
Posted by: ETIENNE | 07 November 2009 at 16:38
That is frightening. Whenever I hear stories like this, it makes me grateful for all the progress that we have made in the U.S. And it also reminds me of all the progress that still needs to made around the world.
Why did they want to examine his anal parts? That sounds kinky and sexual. Were they going to measure the diameter to see if it was greater than their own?
Posted by: Zambos27 | 07 November 2009 at 17:05
No matter how bad we think it is over here, our brothers and sisters in Africa have it so much worse.
But what is really amazing is that in as hostile and repressive environment as Cameroon, Sebastien is still out and proud! He is using his own name, holding his ground with the police and refusing to be punked.
Black gay men in America would do well read this this story. Many of us, maybe most, are in no such danger of being thrown in jail or hunted down by police and we are still scared and embarrassed to be open, use our real names or fight for our rights.
Posted by: Sean Beasley | 07 November 2009 at 21:05