
Police in the Southern African nation of Zambia have reportedly "refused to release" a gay, human rights activist from jail .... arrested only moments after he called for the decriminalization of same-sex relations on live television.
Paul Kasonkomona is the National Coordinator of Engender Zambia which organizes around HIV/AIDS, human rights and sexual minorities. He has been charged with "promoting immoral acts" after he called on authorities to decriminalize same-sex relations during a Sunday night appearance on Muvi TV. Police officers "stormed the television station" and "tried to stop the [live] interview" but station managers refused, reports Muvi TV, BBC and The Guardian.
Kasonkomona was being driven from the Muvi TV studio in the capital, Lusaka, when his car was stopped by police. He was detained at a local station. Officers reportedly tried to stop Kasonkomona's interview as it was in progress but managers at the TV station refused to take him off air.
Supporters have guaranteed bond but police have "refused to release" the activist, reports Identity Kenya.
"We met all the legal requirements, and now they are saying it’s a political case. It is unlawful for the police to detain Paul for more than 48 hours without taking him before a magistrate," said Chivuli Riva Ukwimi [with] the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa, which supports human rights and populations most vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in the region.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both males and females in Zambia. The penalties carry a minimum sentence of 15 years up to a maximum of life in prison. The Zambian government does not permit advocacy of LGBT rights, reports the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (PDF). Former Presidents Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and Festus Mogae of Botswana have recently called for the decriminalization of sodomy statutes across Africa.
Kasonkomona's arrest comes after four gay couples reportedly "attempted to register same-sex marriages in Lusaka over Easter," reports the Zambia Daily Mail.
"Traditional leaders have urged government to take a bold decision to arrest gay couples in the country. Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni said: 'It is not a culture of Zambians,
Africans and Ngonis to practise homosexuality and gay people should be
caged.'"
Zambia is one of at least
38 of 54 African countries that prohibit same-sex relations. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays
or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African
nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the
only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.
Zambia is rich in copper mineral wealth—but it is one of the world's poorest nations, boasts a 16 percent HIV rate and the average life expectancy is only 40 years old. Priorities, priorities.
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