00:00Fear is spreading through Senegal's LGBTQ plus community as a new law brings tougher prison sentences and a wave of
00:09arrests.
00:10In a report released Monday, Human Rights Watch warned that the government's crackdown is fueling stigma,
00:16driving people into hiding and discouraging access to HIV testing and treatment.
00:21Rights groups estimate that at least 212 people were arrested between February and July,
00:27while another organisation puts the figure around 300.
00:31These numbers have not been officially confirmed.
00:35The new law passed by Parliament earlier this year doubles prison sentences for homosexuality to between 5 and 10 years.
00:43It also criminalises the promotion or financing of homosexuality.
00:48Human Rights Watch says the measures are threatening fundamental rights and putting public health at risk.
00:54Homosexuality has been criminalised in Senegal since 1965,
00:59but rights groups say hostility towards LGBTQ plus people has intensified in recent years.
