The investigation into the case involving Pape Cheikh Diallo and others has taken a new turn, with the number of individuals testing positive for HIV rising to 14 out of a total of 19 arrested to date, according to sources close to the investigation.
Investigations conducted by the Keur Massar research brigade have led to two new arrests in Dakar and Thiès. Suspects were subjected to medical tests, which confirmed their HIV-positive status.
Among those identified is a man named Cheikh Ahmadou Guèye. Reports indicate that he was aware he was wanted by investigators and recently entered into a marriage, just days before his arrest.
In a related development, journalist Pape Birame Bigué Ndiaye, also arrested by the same brigade, is scheduled to appear before the judge of the first cabinet of the Pikine-Guédiawaye court. Investigators reportedly traced him through the phone of another suspect arrested in Saly.
A total of 19 people have been arrested in connection with this case, with 14 now confirmed to be HIV-positive. The investigation is ongoing to establish responsibilities and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the allegations.
The case has rapidly become one of the most sensitive judicial files in recent Senegalese history, forcing courts, health authorities, and society at large to confront the intersection of criminal law, stigma, celebrity, and public health, as investigations continue.
The arrests of Diallo, a popular TV presenter, and Dramé, a well-known musician, earlier this month marked one of Senegal’s most high-profile anti-gay cases in years. The two men appeared in court on Monday, , according to reports.
The investigation centers around allegations of homosexual acts, which remain illegal in Senegal. The country’s legal framework and societal norms contribute to a climate of significant risk for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly concerning HIV transmission. The case has brought these issues into sharp focus.
The involvement of prominent figures like Diallo and Dramé has amplified the attention surrounding the case, raising concerns about potential biases in the legal process and the broader implications for human rights in Senegal. The arrests have sparked debate about the enforcement of anti-homosexuality laws and their impact on public health initiatives.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to determine the extent of the alleged activities and the potential health risks involved. The case is expected to continue to draw scrutiny from both domestic and international observers, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal and the need for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The deferral of Diallo and Dramé to prison while awaiting trial underscores the seriousness with which Senegalese authorities are treating the case. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching consequences for the LGBTQ+ community in Senegal and the country’s overall human rights record.
