MSM under arrest in Senegal: What is being done?
Senegal is going through a deplorable situation following the arrest and imprisonment of nine (9) members of an association called AIDE on December 22nd, 2008.After they were reported by some neighbours, the Police searched the premises of the headquarters of the association and reported they had found pornographic films, condoms, dildos, and various photographs, objects that are used by civil society organizations as tools in their HIV/AIDS prevention activities for marginalized groups but that the Police are using as supporting evidence to justify their detention. On January 6th, 2009 the nine (9) people were tried and sentenced for an unlawful act and for the creation of an association of homosexuals. A heavy eight (8) year sentence was imposed on all nine (9) of them with a fine of CFA 600,000 (around 1,000) each. As soon as they were arrested by the Police, many people involved in HIV/AIDS control activities mobilized to provide moral and legal assistance. During their detention i
