Cameroon LGBTI center reopens; police issue summons
In Cameroon, the LGBTI advocacy group Camfaids has reopened its resource center and headquarters, which it closed for security’s sake on July 17 after a series of attacks. But Camfaids leaders immediately received a summons by the police to answer charges of “promotion of homosexual practices.”
The anti-AIDS, pro-LGBTI rights group Camfaids issued a communiqué about the latest events, which is freely translated here:
Camfaids summoned to police station for promoting homosexual practices
Following the reopening of its headquarters and resource center after a one-week preventive closure resulting from a series of homophobic and transphobic attacks, Camfaids has received a summons to appear at the 5th district police station to answer accusations of “promoting homosexual practices.”
The persecution is getting worse!
On Friday, July 28, 2017, the neighborhood leader [representing the Yaoundé neighborhood known as Titi Garage] filed a complaint against representatives of Camfaids, who were summoned to present themselves on Monday, July 31, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. at the 5th district police station on the grounds: “promotion of homosexual practices.” [An account of what happened at the meeting is currently unavailable.]
Several Camfaids staff and beneficiaries have recently been the victims of violence by the residents of the Titi Garage neighborhood. In addition, the center’s security cameras and an exterior door were damaged. Because of that harassment, the association closed its headquarters and social service center as a preventive measure during the week of July 16-24, 2017.
Despite this temporary closure and a complaint lodged against one of the assailants, the homophobic pressure continues, but Camfaids is continuing to fight against HIV and defend human rights.
Camfaids reiterated its mission to
- “Fight HIV among key populations in Cameroon” and
- Seek an end to all kinds of violence and violations of the rights of the LGBTI populations in Cameroon.
Camfaids reminded the government of Cameroon of its obligations to protect the integrity, dignity and security of all its citizens and to guarantee respect for freedom of association.
Related articles:
- Under siege, LGBT rights center closes in Cameroon (July 2017, 76crimes.com)
- Cameroon: 7 in prison on anti-LGBT charges; 58 rights abuses (May 2017, 76crimes.com)
- In Cameroon, LGBT groups start working together — at last (January 2017, 76crimes.com)
- Cameroon police detain accused gay man for 9 days (April 2016, 76crimes.com)
- LGBTI activists challenge Cameroon police harassment (April 2016, 76crimes.com)
- Support for imperiled LGBTI activists in Cameroon (April 2016, 76crimes.com)
- One arrest, one scam, one threat in Cameroon (February 2016, 76crimes.com)
- Another attack on a Cameroon activist; a plea for help (July 2015, 76crimes.com)
