Cameroonian lawyers confident and hope for a positive outcome at the next hearing
According to his group of lawyers, the trial of Jean-Claude Roger Mbede the Cameroonian prosecuted for incitement to the practice of homosexuality could end on a positive note. The Pan-African magazine Jeune Afrique speaking to the hearing on Wednesday, November 21 in Yaounde noted the calm in the course of trade. Article found the public more receptive and less aggressive prosecutor: “The public is beginning to understand that certain rules and conventions should be applied. (…) The Cameroonian justice can not do anything, “said the lawyer know Swiss Saskia Ditisheim, according to comments reported by the site Yagg.com. Alice Nkom lawyers, Michel Togue itself and now expect an acquittal Jean-Claude Roger Mbede even though the prosecutor did not remove the charge. The absence of evidence might lead judges to rule in favor of the accused. According to information given by RFI, it assured the messages he sent were aimed at finding a job. Jean Claude Roger Mbede 32, was sentenced in late April 2011 by the Cameroonian justice for homosexuality before being released on Monday, July 16, 2012 last. The circumstances of this release are not clearly defined, but the associations defending sexual minorities, it is a victory. “It was not the first request for release we have introduced to the court. (…) It is a constant struggle and we believe that crops will grow, “stated Michel Maitre Togue, his lawyer, in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI).
But even with a favorable outcome, the young Mbede not be immune to another justice of the people. Homophobia in the country is real. Lawyers Jean Claude Mbede are constantly threatened with death, or insulted. The final release of the accused could be amazing. Despite pressure from international organizations pro homosexual, the Cameroonian government now refuses to recognize the practice as a choice of the individual. Society tolerates better unions between persons and minors. Arrest, detention and trial of homosexuals and suspected homosexual occur frequently under Article 347a of the Cameroonian Penal Code. But the position of makers is elusive today. A few years ago, when people in high places in the state apparatus had been named in a case of homosexuality, the case was transferred to the socio-political scandal. Commenting on the subject, President Biya had indicated that they were matters of privacy. Recently against the Cameroonian government had admonished the European Union. Its representation Cameroon has provided funding of nearly two hundred million FCFA to ensure the guarantee of the rights of homosexuals when they are in front of judges or prisons. If Article 347a is in force since 1972, it has been a few years it is applied with great force. Paradoxically, this also coincides with an increase in its practice in society and especially among the young.
(Google Translation from French)
Source – journalducameroun.com
