Cameroon cross-dresser, Njeukam Loic Mildred, known as Shakiro and his friend, Patricia have been sentenced to five years each for attempted homosexuality, non-possession of identification papers and public indecency.
Both have been fined with a sum of 200,000 CFA francs each and failure to come up with the fine attracts another twelve months in jail.
Shakiro was arrested along with his friend on February 8, 2021, while having dinner at a restaurant. They were charged to the Court of First Instance, Bonanjo in Cameroon economic capital.
The Human Right Watch (HRW) had shown support to the cross-dresser and his friend in April, claiming the government is violating the rights of gay citizens but was apparently ignored.
Cameroon strengthen their anti-homosexuality laws in 2016, changing the penal code to explicitly outlaw same sex sexual relations.
The duo who have been arrested since February cried out, claiming they are fearful for their lives. Their lawer confirmed this, stating the harsh treatments transgender and gay people are often subjected to in the country.
Some are publicly beaten while some end up dead.
According to the lawyer, “I’ve been reporting on LGBT lives across the world for the past few years, and the experiences of LGBT people in Cameroon are consistently some of the most horrific stories I hear.
“In February alone, there were three brutal murders of LGBT Cameroonians, and at least 27 arrests.
“I’ve heard from people who have attempted suicide, because of being blackmailed and “outed” as their sexuality or gender identity. In almost all of the cases, there are family issues at the centre, and a real sense of shame around being associated with LGBT people.
“All human rights organisations associated with the arrests of Shakiro and Patricia believe that Cameroon’s laws have been abused.
“Especially because, they say, the charge of “attempted homosexuality” does not apply in this case, as the two trans women were not caught in any sexual situation – they were just having dinner.”
Shakiro’s friend, Patricia said he is scared for his life in prison.
Shakiro with thousands of followers on social media has always been open about his sexuality, gaining more content to sell products online.
Many have compared him to Nigerian cross-dresser, Bobrisky.
