A Vietnamese man was arrested last month and accused of homosexual practice. It was the first time someone was convicted under the country’s anti-gay law, which came into effect in 2009.-By Lorraine Josiane Manishatse
Homosexuals
DiongHoai G., 32 years old, is a Vietnamese citizen, working in Burundi .He was arrested on 2 September 2014, at Karuzi Province, Bugenyuzi Commune.After spending three days in jail and paying a fine of BIF 100 000, the young man was released. “Homosexuality is punished by the Burundi law”, the prosecutor states. “The Vietnamese should be punished according to the law.”
The Public Prosecutor in Karuzirelates that the Burundian man who had relationswith the Vietnamese, complained that hewas raped.“In reality, hedidn’trapehim.Theywerecaughtred-handedby the population. In order to protecthimselffrompunishment, hepretendedhewasraped.”The governor of KaruziProvince, told AFP that the Burundian partner escaped and is still being sought by the authorities.
Although underreported, there are many more homosexuals under pressure in Burundi.Dominique and Joelle for example. Dominique, a fictitious name,indicates that she is forced to stay at home because the police know about her homosexuality.“The police have interviewed me more than two hours.Idenied that I am homosexual. I didn’t have any choice”, shesays with grief.
The young lady says that her loving relationship with Joelle is now a source of evil. “Joelle has left her family home since her parents knew about our relationship. They mistreated her”,she says, adding that they are now afraid of going out together.“Policemen are seeking evidence to put us in prison”,she states.
What does the law say?
In 2009, parliament voted on alaw prohibiting homosexual practice.Article 567 of the Burundi Penal Code now states that anyone who has sexual relations with a person of the same sex “is punishable by3months to 2 years in prison or a fine of BIF 50 000 to 100 000.”
The ban on homosexual practice has caused a heated debate. Some argue that it is a human rights violation, while others applaud the measure.
Homosexuality is a sensitive subject in Burundi. NGO’s and civil society groups working on the issue do not want to comment in the newspaper, as they are afraid it might have repercussions on their ability to do their work. An anonymous member of an association of homosexuals indicates that the law is discriminatory. “We are like other human beings; we have the right to enjoy our life freely and to have sex the way we want to.”
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