By Edward Vamboi
Report reaching this medium last night indicates that the Fullah Chief in Kabala Town, Koinadugu district, Northeast of Sierra Leone, Chief Mohamed Jalloh has threatened to kill his only daughter Zainab Jalloh for practicing lesbianism in the community.
The Fullahs who are the third largest tribe in the country are predominantly Muslims.
Practicing gay or lesbianism in the country is forbidden according to the traditional, religious and national laws governing the nation. Anybody arrested and charged to court and found guilty of practicing gay and lesbianism will face life imprisonment with hard labour.
A human rights activist Mariama Swaray told this medium that Zainab Jalloh is facing death threats from her parents especially her father for practicing lesbianism in the community.
The parents accused Zainab of bringing shame to their family for which the consequences will be grave.
The human rights activist pointed out that she has documented several human rights violations being metted on those practicing this act.
Despite several representations by human rights activists for the parents to allow Zainab to practice it, they refused, stressing they will shun her if she continues that act.
She said Governant is currently investigating the mysterious death of one lesbian Kadi Sesay of No: 12 Mansaray Street, Kabala Town who was allegedly brutally killed by unknown people for her alleged involvement in practicing lesbianism.
Eve though it is their rights to practice any faith, it is totally forbidden in the country and punishment is costy if found guilty.
“Due to persistent intimidation and victimization faced by Zainab, she decided to abandoned her parent’s house to save her life. Irate youths and some family members began searching for Zainab but could not trace her whereabout,” Inspector Abdulai Samura said.
Inspector Samura said the where about of Zainab remains unknown and some family members have expressed serious concern about her safety.
