Cameroon inmates allege police exploit homophobia for bribes in prison conditions

In Cameroon, two young men, Pierre and Jean, are serving prison sentences for homosexuality, a crime punishable by up to five years. They describe harsh conditions and exploitation by police, who demand bribes under the threat of severe charges. The men were arrested during a police raid in June 2023, where officers found condoms and lubricant intended for an HIV-prevention program. They report facing homophobic abuse and torture while in custody, with police using their sexual orientation to extort money. Cameroon’s penal code criminalizes same-sex relations, and LGBTQ+ individuals often face violence and discrimination. Activists highlight a pattern of police targeting marginalized groups for bribes, exacerbated by a broader decline in civil rights under the current government.