Dover MP Charlie Elphicke calls for Morocco travel boycott after British man jailed for ‘homosexual acts’
Dover MP Charlie Elphicke has called for travellers to boycott Morocco, after one of his constituents was jailed in the country for ‘homosexual acts’.
On Thursday he was found guilty of ‘homosexual acts’ and sentenced to four months behind bars, alongside Mr Jam Wald Nass.
Charlie Elphicke, the Conservative member for Dover, told PinkNews: “I have been doing all I can to help free Mr Cole from these appalling charges.
“I urge people not to visit Morocco. If you go there you are at serious risk of facing trumped up charges for medieval crimes.
“The message is clear. Morocco is not safe for British tourists.”
Mr Elphicke voted against same-sex marriage last year.
Labour’s LGBT envoy Michael Cashman has also condemned Morocco, telling PinkNews: “This man should be released immediately. If not, then the Morocaans must face the economic and diplomatic consequences that will follow.”
Mr Cole’s son Adrian said previously: “The trial was a complete farce, it was just farcical.
“They’ve gone through his phone and found photographs that they’re using as evidence for a homosexual act.
“He’s had a couple of minor strokes before and has a minor heart condition. He has also been suffering with depression, which the court didn’t take into account.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We can confirm the detention of a British national in Morocco. We are providing consular assistance.”
