Loïc Njeuken (alias “Shakiro”) and Roland Mouthe (alias “Patricia”) will also have to pay a fine of 200,000 FCFA if they do not want to see their number of years behind bars increase.
In pre-trial detention since February 2021, the First Instance Court, Douala requested a maximum prison sentence of 5 years for the 2 men at the end of a hearing held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. According to their lawyer, they are accused of “attempted homosexuality”, “public insult and lack of identity card”.
Shakiro and Patricia “were also fined 200,000 FCFA (300 euros) and procedural costs of 22,300 FCFA (33 euros) and risk an additional year in prison if they fail to pay these sums”, he added.
HRW to the rescue of transgender people &
Human rights organizations have issue with these convictions. In a report made public on April 14, Human Rights Watch denounces “homophobic” acts, therefore transgender people in Cameroon are said to be continually victims.
Homosexuality: a crime in Cameroon
Despite Western pressure, unnatural sex remains a crime in Paul Biya’s country. In fact, homosexuality is prohibited by law. The law provides for sentences ranging from 6 months to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 FCFA for anyone who has sex with a person of the same sex.