Cameroon judge acquits two men sentenced for "looking gay"
DOUALA, CameroonA court has overturned the conviction of two men who were sentenced for five years in prison for "looking gay" and ordering Bailey's Irish Cream.
The Court of Appeals Monday acquitted the men and ordered their release. The two men had already spent more than a year in jail where they were subjected to abuse from guards and other prisoners, according to human rights advocates.
Reuters reports that the men were cross-dressed and wearing make-up.
The new ruling has been hailed by human rights lawyers and gay rights advocates who urged President Paul Biya to release all other prisoners found guilty under the country's harsh anti-gay laws.
On December 17, a Cameroonian court upheld the five-year-sentence of another man, Roger Jean-Claude Mbede, who was convicted of sending a text message that said "I love you" to another man.
Popular on CBSNews.com
- Photos of the Week 21 Photos
- U.K. police announce new leads in missing girl case
- Plane catches fire landing in Moscow
- S. Korea: N. Korea launches short-range missiles
- Plane catches fire on Moscow runway Play Video
- Drone technology myths, facts and future feats
- Dramatic video appears to show 747 crash in Afghanistan
- Assad: Syria transition talks are internal matter
- linkicon reporticon emailicon
- Chuck766-so you think people in the LGBT community should be imprisoned? WOW! What century are you living in and I hope you don't live near me with those bigoted feelings.
- reply













