July 2001 Africa News Headlines

Thursday, July 19, 2001 - Web posted at 10:29:30 GMT

52 alleged Egyptian gay men on trial

CAIRO - The trial of 52 Egyptian men accused of having gay sex opened here yesterday amid scuffles between police and their families as well as concern from international human rights groups.

Families of the accused fought with police when they were barred from attending the brief opening session of the trial, which was adjourned until August 15 to allow the defence more time to prepare its case.

Relatives also struck photographers trying to take pictures of the accused.

Nobody was seriously hurt in the clashes at the state security court, which was set up under decades-old emergency laws aimed at protecting public order and whose sentences cannot be appealed.

The two main defendants stand accused of "exploiting the Islamic religion to spread extremist ideas" as well as practising gay sex "as part of the group's rituals in front of the remaining defendants and others with the aim of insulting the heavenly religions and sparking civil strife."

"The remaining 50 defendants are charged with "practising debauchery with men," which is interpreted as engaging in homosexual practices.

The case has drawn the attention of human rights groups, including London-based Amnesty International which said last month it was "gravely concerned" about it.

The group was arrested following a May 11 party on a Nile riverboat nightclub.

- Nampa-Sapa-AFP

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