Senegalese authorities have charged 71 men with “unnatural acts” following a preliminary investigation into alleged same-sex relations.
The public prosecutor’s office confirmed the charges after court hearings that drew attention across the West African country.
Meanwhile, officials dropped all charges against 28 other defendants who were detained during the police crackdown.
The arrests follow a new law passed in March that doubled penalties for same-sex relations.
Under the revised criminal code, convictions can now result in prison sentences of five to 10 years.
Police operations have intensified in recent months, with more than 100 people detained, including several prominent local figures.
Prosecutors pursued sexual-related charges, while courts dismissed additional allegations involving endangerment and deliberate HIV transmission.
Among those released was a French engineer who had been detained since February. Prosecutors have appealed the decision to dismiss his case.
The crackdown reflects a broader regional trend, with several West African governments adopting or enforcing stricter laws against same-sex relations.