Another delay in Gambian ‘homosexual dance’ trial

Map shows the West African location of The Gambia

The trial of about 20 people in connection with an alleged “homosexual dance” in the Gambia has been delayed again.

The Daily Observer website reported that proceedings in the trial were put off until July 16 because of the bereavement of defense counsel Lamin Camara.

According to early reports and police testimony, the defendants were arrested April 6 after a dance ceremony for tourists at Kololi village near the Gambian capital, Banjul. The dance allegedly included men dressed as women.

The defendants apparently were jailed for more than a month before being released on bail.

The reported number of defendants on trial has varied. Most often they are described as  18 allegedly gay men and two alleged lesbians, but the latest report mentioned only 18 men as defendants. They are charged with “unnatural offenses,” which is a felony.

Related articles

• 40 days in jail without trial for 20 in ‘homosexual dance’ (76crimes.com)
• Gambia delays trial of 20 jailed for ‘homosexual’ dance (76crimes.com)
• Gambia – 3 more LGBT arrests bring total to 21 (76crimes.com)
• 18 men in Gambia face homosexuality charges (76crimes.com)
• Dancing in Gambia: 18 gays, 2 lesbians face felony charges (76crimes.com)