Two men convicted in Mali

Two men in Mali were sentenced to one year in prison on October 26 for "acts against nature," a charge that relates to same-sex relationships. The sentence includes six months in custody, with the remaining time to be served under community supervision.

Charges included pornography

The men were initially charged with "dissemination of pornographic videos contrary to good morals," among other offenses. These charges were part of the legal proceedings that led to their conviction.

New law criminalizes homosexuality

Under the new Malian penal code, which came into effect recently, homosexuality is considered a criminal act. This law has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies concerned about its impact on LGBTQ+ individuals.

First known conviction in Mali

This conviction marks the first known case in Mali where individuals have been prosecuted under the new law criminalizing same-sex relationships. The case has sparked discussions about the implications of the law on personal freedoms and human rights in the country.