A Swedish man has been sentenced to two years behind bars in Tunisia, for committing “homosexual acts”.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry has confirmed that a Swedish citizen is being held in Tunsia, after falling foul of the country’s anti-gay laws.
A spokesperson said: “The man, who is in his 50s, was sentenced February 4 to two years in prison for homosexual acts.
“Sweden highlighted its belief in equal rights regardless of sexual orientation as a fundamental principle of democracy.”
The Tunisian government has confirmed the conviction, according to Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tunisia, and both male and female same-sex sexual activity can lead to up to three years in prison.
Yamina Thabet, President of the Tunisian Association for the Support of Minorities, said: “This law is an infringement upon freedom.
“The ATSM is repeating its call for the decriminalization of homosexuality.”
It is not the first time that Tunisia has jailed a gay tourist.
Belgian man Ronny De Smet was sentenced to three years in prison for ‘attempted homosexual seduction’ in 2013, after a police sting operation. He was released three months later.
A British tourist, Ray Cole, was jailed in Morocco last year for ‘homosexual acts’ – but was released after diplomatic pressure.
by Nick Duffy
Source – PinkNews
