In Cameroon, police exploit anti-LGBTQ+ laws to extort bribes from arrested gay youths.

In Cameroon, where homosexuality is illegal, gay youths like Pierre and Jean claim police exploit homophobia to demand bribes. They were arrested after a raid and faced homophobic insults. Lawyer Alice Nkom says underpaid police target minorities for bribes, with jail time often depending on the ability to pay. Alcondoms Cameroun, an HIV-prevention group, often helps individuals pay bribes to avoid incarceration. The U.S. State Department reports that police often detain LGBTQ+ individuals based solely on perceived sexual orientation.

November 30, 2024
36 Articles