Popular transgender Cameroonians jailed five years each, fined $370

Two months after their arrest in Western Cameroon, two transgender persons have been handed the highest sentence for engaging in unlawful sexual acts.

The two are Njeukam Loic Midrel, an internet celebrity popularly referred to as Shakiro and Mouthe Roland, who goes by the name Patricia.

They were jailed five years each and fined 200,000 XAF (equivalent to $370) by a court in the commercial capital Yaounde.

Their lawyer confirmed that the case which started on February 8 when they were detained for “attempted homosexuality,” had been determined on Tuesday with the sentence.

Lawyer Alice Kom bemoaned that maximum sentence had been slapped on first time offenders. “We will continue the fight before the court of appeal. This decision risks increasing violence against LGBTQ people," he said.

Homosexual practices are prohibited in this Central African nation. The law provides for sentences ranging from 6 months to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 FCFA or 300 euros against anyone who has sex with someone of the same sex.

Arrests for alleged homosexuals have dropped significantly in recent years in Cameroon, but they seem to be on the rise again recently, Mr Nkom said.