In Senegal, West Africa, a 17 year-old Senegalese man is about to stand trial for sexual acts ?against nature?, that is for homosexuality. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Inner Circle report that two other men have already been convicted on identical charges earlier this month ? one has been jailed for two years, the other for five.

According to AllAfrica.com the three men were arrested and detained for alleged same-sex relations on June 19, 2009, along with a fourth man, although nothing is yet known about his situation. It has been reported that accusations and public condemnation from neighbours are the only pieces of evidence against the men.

Homosexuality is illegal in Senegal and homophobia is widespread.

?This is yet another indication that gay men and those perceived to be gay are in grave danger in Senegal,? said IGLHRC executive director Cary Alan Johnson. ?The arrests violate both international and African human rights law. Unpopularity is never a justification for abuse.?

In February 2008 10 people were arrested and charged in Senegal with ?homosexuality, incitement to debauchery and corruption of good behaviour? after a tabloid published photos from a gay commitment ceremony. In August last year, two men were arrested at their home in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, for ?homosexual marriage?. They were also charged with ?acts against the order of nature?. In December 2008, nine members of an HIV/AIDS advocacy organisation were sentenced to 8 years in prison for ?indecent conduct and unnatural acts? and ?conspiracy?, however the Court of Appeals in Dakar overturned their conviction in April 2009.