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Prominent Ugandan doctor, LGBT rights activist detained in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Human rights activists are calling on the South African government to release a prominent Ugandan doctor and LGBT rights activist who is being held in an immigration detention facility at OR Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg pending further deportation proceedings.
Dr. Paul Semugoma could face imprisonment in his native Uganda for his outspoken advocacy for LGBT rights if Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signs the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which provides for a sentence of life imprisonment for anyone convicted of homosexuality, as well as punishment for those convicted of being supportive of LGBT people.
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“I am not surprised the SA government under leadership of President Zuma is disobeying a court order,” said San Francisco human rights attorney and activist Melanie Nathan, a native of South African. “Zuma through his appointment of known homophobe Jon Qwelane as SA Ambassador to Uganda and the roaring silence of both he and Qwelane on the anti gay bill is indicative of their support of state sanctioned homophobia.”
“Zuma, as head of the only country in Africa with a full equality constitution should release him (Semugoma) along with a statement condemning the bill,” Nathan told LGBTQ Nation.
Semugoma fled Uganda after his colleague David Kato, was murdered in 2011 for gay rights activism.
Read More: http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/02/prominent-ugandan-doctor-lgbt-rights-activist-detained-in-south-africa/#.UwYgh1JRRGo.facebook
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Good news.
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According to rights groups lobbying for his release, two applications by Semugoma for a work permit had been lost by authorities.
The department said he was barred as his visitor’s visa had expired.
Semugoma has volunteered at the Johannesburg-based Anova Health Institute, which focuses on HIV, for three years.
South Africa upholds same sex rights, including marriage, but was accused of being complicit with the anti-gay sentiment of the government over the matter.
According to rights groups lobbying for his release, two applications by Semugoma for a work permit had been lost by authorities.
The department said he was barred as his visitor’s visa had expired.
Semugoma has volunteered at the Johannesburg-based Anova Health Institute, which focuses on HIV, for three years.
South Africa upholds same sex rights, including marriage, but was accused of being complicit with the anti-gay sentiment of the government over the matter.
