Six Tunisians jailed for gay sex released – for now

Following international condemnation, six young men jailed for homosexuality for three years in Tunisia have been granted their freedom, at least for now.

According to local media, the men were released on bail of 500 Tunisian dinars ($245 / R3960) each.

It is understood that they will face a new trial.

In addition to being imprisoned last month, the six were also banished from returning to the city of Kairouan for five years after they completed their prison term.

One of the men, who was subjected to a forced anal examination, was jailed for an additional six months because police found “immoral” material on his computer.

The group was arrested on 2 December after police raided a house in which they were having a gathering.

Meanwhile, Tunisia’s first and only gay rights group, Shams, has been suspended for a month by a court for “non-compliance with the rule of law.”

The organisation, which was critical of the arrests and lobbies for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Tunisia, is appealing the decision.

Hedi Sahly, Vice-president of Shams, was recently forced to leave Tunisia after he received death threats.

Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are illegal in the North African country, with a maximum sentence of three years in prison.