Senegal records first conviction under new law tightening penalties for homosexual acts, marking a significant legal shift in justice system.
Dakar suburb Pikine-Guédiawaye sentenced a 24-year-old labourer to six years in prison and fined him 2 million CFA Friday francs.
He was arrested earlier this month on charges of acts against nature and public indecency according to court records in Dakar.
The law increases prison sentences to between five and ten years and also criminalises promotion and financing of homosexuality activities.
Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué said the law has created a climate of constant fear and more aggressive arrests.
More than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries criminalise homosexual acts with some nations imposing the death penalty for offences including.