Tanzanian officials order physical exams of 10 alleged gays in Zanzibar

Tanzanian authorities are carrying out physical examinations of 10 men suspected of homosexual activity in Zanzibar, according to police.

Police chief of the south region of Zanzibar, Suleiman Hassan, said that the examinations are taking place Friday to see if there are any signs of same-sex relations among the men, who were arrested last week on suspicion of celebrating a gay marriage at a resort hotel.

A wave of arrests of gays in Tanzania is feared after a senior official urged the public to report suspected homosexuals to authorities. Homosexual acts are illegal in Tanzania and can bring a sentence of up 30 years.

Days later Tanzania’s foreign ministry said Makonda’s statement did not represent government policy, but many gays in the East African country say they are frightened.