8 Jan 2013

Homosexuality convictions overturned

1:45 pm on 8 January 2013

An appeal court in Cameroon has overturned the convictions of two men found guilty of homosexuality and sentenced to five years in prison for cross-dressing and wearing make-up.

Homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon, but recent incidents have highlighted growing tension between a largely conservative society and a younger generation less concerned by the issue.

The two men were convicted in November 2011 and have already spent over a year in prison.

Lawyer Alice Nkom said the court decision had been expected.