Rights Group Condemns Jail Term for Cameroon Transgender Women

YAOUNDE, CAMEROON - Rights activists in Cameroon have condemned a five-year jail sentence given to two transgender women for "attempted homosexuality" and public indecency. A lawyer for the two, who were arrested for wearing women's clothing in a restaurant, say they are preparing an appeal.  

In a statement, Human Rights Watch describes the jail sentence issued by the court as harsh.    Police arrested Njeuken Loic, also known as Shakiro, and Mouthe Roland, also known as Patricia, in the coastal city of Douala on February 8. Police said they were wearing typically female clothing while eating in a restaurant. Prosecutors charged them with attempted homosexual conduct, public indecency, and non-possession of their national identity cards.