Cameroon: Two trans people arrested

On February 08, 2021, at 8:00 pm. Mildred Loic (Shakiro) and Moute Rolland (Patricia) were arrested by the gendarmerie of Nkoulouloun - Douala; both were arrested on the charges of homosexuality and after the gendarme officers asked for their identification cards which they did not have.

They were questioned by the gendarme officer about their alleged homosexuality on February 9, 2021, under pressure, threats and torture, the gendarmes will have them sign their statement without proofreading, search their telephones and then seal them.

At 1:15 pm our team went to Bonanjo's at the Public Prosecutor's Office, where we did meet them and listened to them. We would like to emphasize that they have not received any visits from family and are not assisted by counsel or a lawyer. The two victims we confirm their tragedies and we will like to present the state of their cell where they are incarcerated with more than 30 other male persons in a space of 10m2 sleeping on the floor.

We have:
- listened and given counselling to the victims,
- We as well gave them what to eat and took relevant contact from them that can be of help in the process.
Victims' Needs:
- legal aid needed
- Nutritional assistance

We will like to say that yesterday a total of 4 LGBTIQ person's were transferred to the New bell prison of Douala with the investigation still going on to confirm the killing of two other in the political capital Yaounde.

On July 13, the Doula Court of Appeal released Patricia and Shakiro, pending their future appeal hearings.

We call on the government of Cameroon to drop charges against Patricia & Shakiro immediately and put in place all measures to guarantee their security and wellbeing.

A report made by Working For Our Wellbeing.