Thursday, January 27, 2011

Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato was found dead


Ugandan gay rights activist, David Kato was found dead in his home. David was listed in the infamous list of the "top homosexuals" last year.
A neighbor found David Kato dead and notified authorities, according to his lawyer.


Kato's money and some clothes were missing after the attack, said John Onyango, his attorney.


It was unclear whether his killing was linked to a front-page story in a Ugandan tabloid that reignited anti-gay sentiments late last year.


The story included a list of "top 100 homosexuals" with their photos, addresses and a banner with the words "Hang Them." Kato's name and picture were on the list.


Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects: A taxi driver found near the victim's house and an ex-convict who was staying with the victim prior to the killing, Onyango said.


Kato told CNN last year that that he feared for his life after the list was released. His lawyer said he had informed authorities in Mukono town, where he lived, of his fears.


"The villagers want to set my house ablaze," he told CNN at the time. "They want to burn my house ... (they say) can you go away before my house is burned."


Authorities in the Mukono criminal investigations department declined to comment pending further investigations.
This is horrible! I can't imagine what the other gays are feeling at this point. My heart goes out to the family and friends of David. He did so much for the gay community over there.

source

2 comments:

  1. I'm so scared for the others' safety. I wish there was some way they could get out of the country.

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  2. A list published in the newspapers? - these people are really haters - I wish the others on the list can get asylum in some way on other countries!

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