DAKAR, Senegal (AP):

A judge sentences a well-known Senegalese journalist to four years in prison for acts of homosexuality, illegal possession of arms and battery.

Tamsir Jupiter Ndiaye's lawyer said he is surprised by the court's decision and that it is not based on the rule of law.

Khassimou Toure, the lawyer, said they will appeal. Ndiaye was arrested on October 10 after getting into a fight with his male partner. The court says that Ndiaye used a knife and stabbed his partner in the stomach.

The court has sentenced Ndiaye's partner to two years in prison.

Homosexual acts are illegal in the predominantly Muslim West African nation. With the exception of South Africa, homosexuality is a criminal offence in many African countries.