Cameroon: ‘Gay sex’ Bailey’s pair released from jail
Two men in Cameroon, who were jailed under homophobic laws; based on their appearance and their enjoyment of drinking Bailey’s, have been released from prison.
However, they denied the charge.
On Monday, lawyer Alice Nkom said she was pleased with the decision to release the men because the judge who convicted them was influenced by “stereotypes”.
He had stated “the way the men dressed…spoke and the fact that they drank Bailey’s Irish Cream proved they were gay”, Ms Nkom said.
Last month, a court in Cameroon upheld the sentencing to five years in prison of another Cameroonian, Roger Jean-Claude Mbede.
He was jailed in April 2011 for sending a text message to another man, which said: “I’m very much in love with you.”
Cameroon law criminalises homosexuality.
Although the relevant part of the penal code has been in force since 1972, human rights campaigners say it has been far more stringently enforced in recent years.
