LGBTQ+ people go into hiding in Senegal as hundreds are arrested

Summary

The Guardian reports an escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ people in Senegal following the toughening of a law criminalising homosexuality. Citing a Human Rights Watch report, it says more than 320 people have been arrested and detained since February on allegations of acts against nature, at least 84 of them charged with voluntary HIV transmission solely on the basis of their HIV status; the report also describes forced HIV testing and barriers to legal representation.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 08:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that more than 320 people have been detained in Senegal since February amid an escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ people, with forced HIV testing and barriers to legal representation also reported.