Story highlights Activists say around 32 homosexual soldiers have been arrested in recent months

Same-sex activity is a crime within the South Korean military

Seoul (CNN) "Sergeant A" doesn't want to give his real name, his exact rank or show his face.

Speaking to CNN, he said he was afraid the South Korean military would find out he was talking to the media. He faces charges for having sexual relations with another man, a crime within the South Korean military punishable by up to two years in prison.

Sergeant A is part of a wider investigation which human rights groups are calling a homophobic witch-hunt, an accusation the military rejects.

Homosexuality is not illegal for civilians in South Korea but human rights groups say the rights of sexual minorities are not always protected.

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'Witch hunt'

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