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By John Ogunsemore
Senegalese authorities have arrested and charged popular TV presenter, Pape Cheikh Diallo and musician, Djiby Dramé with committing “unnatural acts”, a euphemism for gay sex.
New York Times reports that both celebrities were among 12 men dragged to court by police in Dakar on Monday.
Police said in a statement that the case stemmed from an investigation into an HIV-positive individual who confessed to intentionally infecting about ten people he met primarily through WhatsApp groups.
The police did not say if either of the celebrities was the person in question or had been charged with knowingly spreading HIV.
Local media reports say Diallo, 42, was arrested on Friday after being allegedly denounced by a banker, Doudou Lamine Dieng.
Dieng reportedly claimed to be in a relationship with the TV presenter, best known for interviewing celebrities on TFM, the country’s most-watched TV station founded by musician Youssou N’Dour.
A lawyer for Mr. Diallo, Abdou Dieng, decried the spreading of false narratives about his client online.
Dramé is also a popular figure known for performing in Soninké and Bambara, often alongside his wife, Maman Chérie.
Their music is a staple at weddings and he also hosts an annual high-society Bazin fashion gala.
Homosexuality is punishable by up to five years in prison or fine of $2,700 in Senegal.
