Senegal: Human Rights Watch documents mass arrests, forced HIV testing, restricted access to legal representation

Brutal Crackdown Violates LGBT People’s Rights

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that Senegal’s crackdown on LGBT people has intensified following amendments to Article 319 of the Penal Code, adopted on 11 March 2026, which doubled the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex conduct to 10 years and introduced penalties for promoting or supporting LGBT people and organisations.

Between February and July 2026, at least 212 people were arrested, according to data collected by the Senegalese human rights organisation RADDHO. The HIV Justice Network reported that the number exceeded 300. Of those arrested, 82 were also charged with alleged intentional HIV transmission, although a court dismissed those charges in August.

Based on interviews with 39 people, including detainees, lawyers, health professionals, civil society representatives and members of the Senegalese queer community, HRW documents serious concerns about due process and human rights. Authorities reportedly used information extracted from seized mobile phones, third-party allegations and raids to identify and arrest suspected LGBT people. Some detainees were allegedly pressured to waive their right to legal representation, while lawyers have faced professional and social pressure that discourages them from taking these cases.

The report also highlights forced HIV testing and the use of confidential medical information in criminal proceedings. According to health professionals interviewed by HRW, fear of arrest, disclosure and stigma has led some people living with HIV to avoid clinics or miss appointments, undermining access to treatment and public health efforts.

HRW calls on the Senegalese authorities to end the crackdown and respect constitutional and international human rights obligations, including protections for privacy, informed consent, equality before the law and the right to a fair trial. The report also raises concerns about Senegal’s compliance with the Olympic Charter ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Key points:

• Mass arrests: RADDHO documented 212 arrests between February and July 2026; the HIV Justice Network reported more than 300.

• HIV-related prosecutions: 82 people were reportedly charged with intentional HIV transmission. Those charges were dismissed by a court in August in one of the cases, although other charges remained against some defendants.

• Forced HIV testing: HRW reports that detainees were tested without informed consent and that positive results were used to support additional criminal charges.

• Medical confidentiality: Confidential HIV information allegedly reached the media, exposing individuals to stigma, threats, discrimination and family rejection.

• Barriers to legal representation: Some detainees were reportedly pressured to waive their right to a lawyer, while fear of repercussions has discouraged lawyers from representing people charged under the amended law.

• Public health consequences: Health professionals reported that fear of arrest and disclosure was deterring people from accessing HIV testing and treatment.