News / Africa
Zambian gay rights activist arrested
08 Apr 2013 at 20:33hrs | Views
Lusaka - Zambian police have arrested a gay rights activist minutes after he appeared on a live television show to press for same sex marriages, the police said on Monday.
Paul Kasonkomona was picked up on Sunday night as he stepped out of MUVI TV studios, where he openly advocated for gay rights.
He was on Monday charged with "inciting the public to take part in indecent activities," police chief Solomon Jere told AFP. He said he would appear in court soon.
Sources at the television station said police tried to stop the interview and take Kasonkomona off air but management refused.
Homosexuality is outlawed in most African countries, including Zambia, and discrimination against gays and lesbians is rife on the continent.
Last week, a group of gay couples attempted to register their marriages but were stopped. The government later ordered the arrest of anyone practising homosexuality.
The European Union last month advertised financial support to organisations that wanted to promote the rights of gays in Zambia.
Paul Kasonkomona was picked up on Sunday night as he stepped out of MUVI TV studios, where he openly advocated for gay rights.
He was on Monday charged with "inciting the public to take part in indecent activities," police chief Solomon Jere told AFP. He said he would appear in court soon.
Homosexuality is outlawed in most African countries, including Zambia, and discrimination against gays and lesbians is rife on the continent.
Last week, a group of gay couples attempted to register their marriages but were stopped. The government later ordered the arrest of anyone practising homosexuality.
The European Union last month advertised financial support to organisations that wanted to promote the rights of gays in Zambia.
Source - AFP
