Three jailed for having gay sex in Morocco

Three Moroccan men have each been jailed for three years after being found “guilty” of homosexuality.

The Moroccan Association of Human Rights told AFP that two of victims, a 40-year-old mechanic and a 20-something man, had been discovered having sex in the mechanic’s workshop, in the city of Taourirt.

After they were arrested, they told the authorities about a third man, a mutual friend, who was then also arrested and charged. He reportedly “admitted” to having gay sex.

Male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Morocco, with penalties ranging from six months to three years in jail, as well as the imposition of fines.

In addition to the outrage of prosecuting people because of who they love, Human Rights Watch has claimed that Moroccan courts often rely on confessions coerced by the police to convict defendants.

There has been a growing crackdown on the LGBT community in Morocco. Most recently, a local man and a Canadian tourist were arrested last month on charges of having gay sex. It is unclear what has happened in the case.

In December last year, two other men were jailed for consensual homosexual activity. Their original sentences of three years were reduced to six months for one and one year for the other. The latter was also convicted of attempted bribery for trying to get out of being arrested.

In October, a retired British tourist, Ray Cole, and a local man were sentenced to four months in a Marrakesh prison. Following international outrage, Cole was released and sent back to the UK. It is believed that the Moroccan man was also freed.