EGYPT: Immediate Trial Date Set For 26 Men Arrested In Bathhouse Raid
Egyptian official says prosecutors have referred 26 men arrested in a raid on a bath house to trial on charges connected to their suspected homosexuality. The prosecution official said Wednesday the trial will begin Sunday, a quick referral in a case that has captured public attention following the men's televised arrest. Scenes of half-naked men escorted by policemen out of the bath house in Cairo on Dec. 7 were filmed by a private TV channel and later aired amid criticism from activists. Many in the public were also stunned by the widely circulated pictures of the bathers covering their faces from cameras.The speedy trial date is considered highly unusual as Egypt's backlogged court system typically means waits of up to a year. The men have been charged with "debauchery" as homosexuality is technically legal in Egypt.
Labels: Africa, Egypt, LGBT rights, religion
