CAIRO — Egyptian security officials say authorities are stepping up a crackdown on people suspected of homosexuality, arresting a total of 27 over a little more than a week.
Speaking today, the officials say the 27 arrested since September 25 include a man and a woman picked up by police Monday and face charges of “debauchery.”
The officials speak on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to brief the media.
A gay Egyptian man lights a cigarette in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, December 11, 2014 (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
Homosexuality is highly taboo in Egypt among Muslims and Christians alike, but it is not explicitly prohibited by law. In practice, authorities prosecute individuals under such charges as “immorality” and “debauchery.
The latest crackdown is in response to the raising of the LGBT rainbow flag during a recent concert in Cairo.
The crackdown has been condemned by international rights groups.
— AP
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