Senegal has intensified enforcement of laws criminalizing same-sex conduct, resulting in at least 320 arrests since February, according to Human Rights Watch. The arrests target people accused of "acts against nature," a charge under Senegal's penal code.
Among those detained, at least 84 faced additional charges of "voluntary HIV transmission" based solely on their HIV status, according to HIV Justice Network, cited in the HRW report. Detainees have reportedly undergone forced HIV testing and faced barriers to legal representation.
HRW documented the pattern as part of an escalating crackdown. The arrests follow a toughening of Senegal's existing law criminalizing homosexuality, though the source excerpt does not specify when that legal change took effect or what modifications were made.
The source material does not provide details on sentencing outcomes, specific locations of detention, the identities of those arrested, the government's stated rationale for the enforcement surge, or statements from Senegal's government or law enforcement. The Guardian's full reporting would contain additional context necessary to understand the scope and drivers of the crackdown.