Authorities continue to ignore human rights abuses in Chechnya
This evening, ILGA-Europe have received an update on the disturbing situation in Chechnya from their partners working in the region.
The arbitrary detention of men based on their (perceived) sexual orientation is continuing, almost two weeks after the news reached international attention. In spite of the global outcry, no action has been taken, either on the part of the Russian or Chechen authorities, to release those detained.
According to the latest information received by the Russian LGBT Network from a survivor, the NGO believes that the second suspected prison at Tsotsi-Yurt, previously reported by Svoboda, does exist. Survivors have also expressed fears that the social media accounts of (perceived) gay and bisexual men are being targeted, hacked and used to contact other men who have not yet been arrested.
The Russian LGBT Network continues to receive requests for emergency assistance, although the NGO has not been able to maintain contact with several survivors. This unexplained loss of contact is a clear cause for concern.
LGBTI activists providing support to survivors in the region have appealed for continued international solidarity, calling for increased condemnations and public protests (where safe to do so) against the extra-judicial killing and detention of (perceived) gay and bisexual men in Chechnya.
ILGA-Europe urges international institutions to advocate for the rights of the LGBTI community in the region, and for national governments to assist those fleeing persecution to find safety.
The Russian LGBT Network can be called for free in Russia – 8 800 555 73 74.
Anyone outside Russia with information they would like to share on the current situation in Chechnya can confidentially contact ILGA-Europe Tel.: +32 2 609 54 10 or info@ilga-europe.org