Awaiting homosexuality trial in Cameroon, female detainee wins release on bail.
Among 13 arrestees, 3 still remain at New Bell Prison awaiting Dec. 3 homosexuality hearing.
By Jean Jacques Dissoke
Hermine Ngo Ndaptie, the drop-in center manager for Alternatives Cameroon, was released on bail last week awaiting trial on homosexuality-related charges.
After analyzing and studying files in the case, the judges granted her provisional release on the basis of her ill health and the fact that evidence against her is weak.
Three other detainees are still being held at New Bell Prison in Douala, Cameroon, also pending trial on homosexuality charges
They are Denis Watonawa, psychological counselor for Alternatives, and peer educators Oumarou Ousmanou and Fotie Zidane.
The four were among 13 people arrested and detained during a police raid at the Alternatives Cameroon office in Douala on Sept. 30. The other nine have either been freed without charges or released on bail pending their trial on homosexuality-related charges.
The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 4.
Alternatives Cameroon is a non-profit organization that advocates for LGBTI rights and fights AIDS by providing health information and treatment.
Jean Jacques Dissoke, the author of this article, is a Cameroonian activist. Contact him at info@76crimes.com.
