Brikama-born gay right activist, Mohammed Sonko has welcomed the acquittal and release of two alleged homosexuals after a five-month long trial that attracted both local and international attention.
Momar Sowe and Alieu Sarr were arrested by the police and dragged to court for engaging in homosexual acts, which are punishable by life imprisonment under a new anti-gay law signed by President Jammeh.
The High Court, presided by Justice Abi, on Thursday, 30th July, acquitted and discharged the pair. According to him, the prosecutor failed to prove that Momar and Alieu were involved in homosexual acts.
Mohammed, The Gambia’s only known gay activist, welcome the released saying: “I do believe Gay people should be free in The Gambia, at the end of the day we are all human beings and we should be treated with respect and kindness.”
He continued: “Being gay is not a choice; I know this because I’m gay. You’re born gay just like you’re born straight. No one should be in custody simply because of who you are.”
The Canada-based activist said he wasn’t following Momar and Alieu’s trial, but hopes the pair would “pick themselves up, brush themselves off, and continue with their lives like any other normal Gambian.”