A gay man in Cameroon who was jailed
for texting a love note to another man has died.
According to the AP, Roger Jean-Claude
Mbede died Friday.
Mbede, 34, was given a three year jail
sentence in connection with texting “I'm very much in love with
you” to another man in 2011.
While in prison, Mbede developed a
hernia. He was granted provisional release on medical grounds in
July 2012. Roughly one month ago, his family removed him from the
hospital where he was being treated.
“His family said he was a curse for
them and that we should let him die,” lawyer Alice Nkom told the
AP.
“I accuse the state,” Nkom added.
“His life was finished as soon as he went to prison.”
Lambert Lamba, a gay rights activist,
said Mbede had received no medical treatment since leaving the
hospital.
“His family said they were going to
remove the homosexuality which is in him,” Lamba said. “I went
to see him in his village. He could not stand up. He couldn't
speak.”