Two Cameroonian crossdressers, ‘Shakiro’ and ‘Patricia’ have been given a 5-year sentence for what a court termed attempted homosexuality.
Many have since raised objections to the sentence of the landmark ruling, terming it inhumane.
Tech lady, Rebecca Enonchong termed the appreciation of the sentence as hypocrisy. “5 years in prison to crossdressers for ‘attempted homosexuality’. You are all here justifying it saying it is illegal in Cameroon. So is adultery. Want same legal standards applied to you?” She quizzed.
“To sentence someone for homosexuality, the court needs concrete evidence to prove their guilt,” averred Barrister Alice Nkom, an LGBT activist.
The sentenced too are not ‘going down’ without a fight.
In the face of the controversy, Shakiro has threatened to make known the names of those he allegedly carried out homosexual acts with.
“I Shakiro was sentenced for five years because of my sexual orientation as if I stole all the money in the country,” he wrote.
“I was arrested alone as if I make love to myself. I will list all of my partners,” he added.
It should be recalled that homosexuality in Cameroon is forbidden, and perpetrators are liable to having a jail sentence and heavy fine.
Mimi Mefo Info
