State Department Condemns Renewed Attacks On Gays By Chechnya: Russia Must “Investigate These Abuses”

Posted to the State Department’s website:

We are deeply disturbed by credible reports out of Chechnya about renewed attacks against individuals perceived to be members of the LGBTI community.

Civil society groups report that at least 40 individuals have been illegally detained since December, including two who reportedly died in custody after being tortured.

We call on Russia to live up to its international obligations and commitments and its own constitution, and launch an immediate investigation into these human rights abuses.

We also urge the Russian Federation to ensure that the rights of all human rights defenders are fully respected in Chechnya, and those illegally detained, including Oyub Titiev, be immediately released.

Oyub Titiev is one of Russia’s most famous activists. Last year he received the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize from the Council of Europe. (Tipped by JMG reader Michael)