By Haddy Touray
Top of Form
The case involving twelve individuals arrested for alleged acts against nature continues to generate widespread reaction, with the suspects expected to be presented before the prosecutor at the Pikine-Guédiawaye Court on Monday, media reports have revealed.
Senegalese news outlet Seneweb, reported that the individuals faced charges including criminal conspiracy, alleged acts against nature, the alleged intentional transmission of HIV, and endangering the lives of others.
The investigation, led by the Keur Massar research brigade, remains ongoing, with additional arrests reportedly possible.
According to L’Observateur newspaper, the Pikine-Guédiawaye prosecutor, Saliou Dicko, faces significant challenges, particularly concerning the management of the suspects’ health conditions while in custody.
Reports indicate that eight of the twelve arrested individuals have tested positive for HIV. Daily newspaper Groupe Futurs Médias reported that the prosecution is considering placing the HIV-positive suspects under appropriate medical treatment within a controlled framework to prevent any potential transmission among detainees or prison staff.
The proposed measures reportedly include supervised health-related isolation strictly for therapeutic purposes, while ensuring respect for human dignity and medical confidentiality.
However, L’Observateur noted that such public health precautions — considered obligations of the state in terms of health protection and human rights — may face strong public pressure amid intense reactions surrounding the case.
In a related development, Seneweb reported that Pape Cheikh Diallo, Djibril Dramé and their co-detainees are subject to a judicial investigation after their case was referred for further inquiry. A judge from the first chamber has been appointed to oversee the investigation.
The suspects were presented before judicial authorities by the Keur Massar Research Brigade and are being prosecuted on charges including criminal conspiracy, alleged acts against nature involving the transmission of HIV/AIDS through unprotected sexual relations, and endangering the lives of others.
According to the same source, the accused risk being placed in pre-trial detention pending the outcome of the investigations.