A French engineer, in his thirties, has been held in custody since February 14. He faces accusations including “unnatural acts” and “attempted HIV transmission.” This detention occurs as Senegal has recently intensified penalties for homosexual relations.
Vous voulez participer au débat ?
S’abonner permet de commenter les articles. Et pas que : vous pouvez les consulter et les offrir à vos proches.
A French national has been held in detention in Senegal since February 14. The primary charge is “unnatural acts,” in a nation that has recently strengthened its laws against homosexual relations.
The individual, an engineer in his thirties residing in Dakar, was arrested on February 14, 2026. The charges include “unnatural acts,” “criminal association,” “money laundering,” and “attempted HIV transmission.” This arrest was part of a broader series of detentions.
Publicité
The French Embassy in Dakar is closely monitoring the situation of its citizen. Our consulate has conducted four visits to him, providing consular protection, and maintains regular contact with his family, as do officials in Paris.
Wave of arrests linked to alleged homosexuality
Senegal, a predominantly Muslim nation, enacted a new law in early March that now imposes prison sentences of five to ten years for homosexual relations. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially promulgated this legislation on March 31.
This legal development unfolds amid a surge of homophobia across the country and numerous arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexuality. Same-sex relationships are widely viewed as a deviation in Senegal, and the increased repression reflects a long-standing political commitment from the ruling party, resonating strongly with the public.
France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the universal and indivisible respect for human rights. It advocates for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, the protection of LGBT+ individuals’ rights, and the vigorous fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
