Trying to stand out from the gay persecution – News

The governor of the Dar Es Salaam region, Paul Makonda, on Monday called on citizens to denounce homosexuals suspected of being homosexuals. The next day, the governor announced the creation of a special committee to isolate social media to identify homosexuals and prostitutes through images and videos.

Homosexuality is a crime in Tanzania and can give up to 30 years in prison.

"Personal opinions"

Among other things, the UN and Amnesty have sharply criticized the action and the US Embassy in Tanzania warned its citizens of the country and urged them to be vigilant and cautious.

"To remove or ensure the protection of images and texts that may conflict with Tanzanian laws relating to the practice of homosexuality, and in particular sexual activity," wrote the Embassy of the United States. United States on its website.

Last Sunday, the Tanzanian Foreign Ministry issued a statement in which he said he was standing in Paul Makonda.

True to the President

"The Tanzanian government wants to clarify that it's personal opinions (of Maconda) and not the attitude of the government," writes and adds that the government "will continue to respect all international conventions on human rights signed ".

Makonda is considered loyal to the country's president, John Magufuli, who took office in 2015. Attacks on hbtq people have risen sharply since then, according to the country's activists.