A Zambian court has acquitted a human rights activist on
charges of promoting homosexuality, in a ruling hailed as a boost for gay
rights in Africa.
Paul Kasonkomona was charged with "soliciting for
immoral purposes" after arguing for gay rights on a TV show in April 2013.
But on Tuesday a magistrate found that the state had failed
to prove its case.
Homosexuality is illegal in deeply conservative Zambia - as
it is in some 40 African countries.
On Monday, Uganda toughened its anti-gay laws - introducing
life sentences for gay sex and same-sex marriage, banning the
"promotion" of homosexuality and requiring citizens to report
suspected homosexuals.
Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands have blocked some direct
aid to the Ugandan government as a result.
'Landmark judgement'
Mr Kasonkomona was arrested and released on bail after
arguing that recognition of gay rights was necessary if the Aids epidemic was to
be effectively addressed in Africa.
"The magistrate was clear: public discussion is
important," Anneke Meerkotter - a lawyer at the Southern Africa Litigation
Centre, which campaigned for Mr Kasonkomona - told AFP news agency.
"This is a great victory for freedom of expression. The
mood in court was one of great relief. Kasonkomona did not deserve to be
arrested for expressing his opinion and the court ruling vindicates his
rights."
Mr Kasonkomona told AFP his acquittal was a
"landmark judgement" and vowed to keep to speak out "for the
rights of all ZambiansBBC
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