Human rights groups on Monday claimed that officials in Egypt have arrested 22 people over the past three days in a crackdown on gays.
According to Reuters at least 33 people have been arrested since Sept. 23, following the raising of rainbow flag at a concert recently.
The raising of the flag at the concert was in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. Two men were arrested in relation to the flag incident but one was released, according to Reuters.
Judicial sources in Egypt said at least 10 men were arrested between Sept. 28-30 and six others earlier that week. All 16 went on trial on Sunday charged with “promoting sexual deviancy” and “debauchery”, euphemisms for homosexuality. A verdict is due on Oct. 29.
Homosexuality is not outlawed in Egypt, but in such a conservative society, discrimination is rife. Gay men are frequently arrested charged with debauchery, immorality or blasphemy.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say those arrested are subjected to anal examinations to determine whether they have had gay sex, something these rights groups consider torture.
Source: Africafeeds.com
