Date set for Egyptian boys appeal verdict
Decision due 19 December on teenager convicted of being gay and given hard labour
4 December 2001

An Egyptian judge says he will issue a verdict on the appeal of a teenager convicted of being gay later this month.

Mahmoud Abdel Fatah was just 15 when he was arrested along with 52 men back in May.

All were charged in connection with their alleged sexuality.

Fatah was found guilty and sentenced to three years hard labour.

The prosecution said he was paid about 1.50p to have sex with two men.

Human rights groups have voiced their concern at the youth's treatment. Amnesty International has called for his immediate and unconditional release.

French musician Jean Michel Jarre has launched an international petition in support of the teenager and the 23 other men jailed as a result of May's arrests.

Fatah's appeal is based on his claim that his "confession" was extracted under torture.

His feet were beaten repeatedly with a thick stick, or falaka.

The queer website, gayegypt.com, says even if the allegations are true, the boy clearly deserves support not punishment.

An editorial on the website states: "It's a pathetic and tragic example of sexual exploitation.

"He should have been rescued from the area around Ramses station where he allegedly worked and given protection."

Rebecca Sandles