French tourist faces decade behind bars in Senegal
A French national has been held in Senegalese custody since mid-February on charges that include unnatural acts, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted HIV transmission. Diplomatic sources confirm the arrest occurred amid a broader crackdown on alleged homosexual activity in the country.
The detention follows Senegal’s recent tightening of legislation targeting same-sex relationships. Under the revised law, introduced in March, individuals convicted of such offenses now face sentences ranging from five to ten years imprisonment—a significant escalation compared to previous penalties.
Legal crackdown sparks international concern
Diplomatic observers highlight the case as emblematic of a wider shift in Senegal’s approach to LGBT+ rights. Earlier this year, a local court sentenced a young Senegalese man to six years in prison after he was found engaging in sexual activity with another man in the outskirts of Dakar.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has sharply criticized the new law, describing it as a blatant violation of fundamental rights. Volker Türk, the UN official, condemned the legislation at the time of its enactment by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, emphasizing its incompatibility with international human rights standards.
Consular support and diplomatic response
French authorities have maintained close contact with their detained citizen. The French embassy in Dakar has conducted multiple consular visits and remains in regular communication with the individual’s family, ensuring they are informed of his legal and personal situation.
In an official statement, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its unwavering commitment to the universal decriminalization of homosexuality and the protection of LGBT+ individuals worldwide. The ministry condemned the new legal provisions, which also introduce penalties for promoting or funding homosexuality, as a step backward for human rights in the region.
The case underscores the growing tensions between Senegal’s conservative social norms and international expectations regarding equality and dignity for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.
