Politicians in Europe have slammed Russia for failing to tackle the homophobic purge in Chechnya.

Hundreds of members of the LGBTI community in Chechnya have been detained, many of which have been tortured and even executed.

A ‘gay purge’, which began in 2016, has been taking place in Chechnya.

There is no sign of the purge slowing down or stopping anytime soon. Since December 2018, 40 more people have been detained and at least 2 more killed.

Due to Russia failing to slow down and end the purge in Chechnya, they have been met with outrage from politicians across Europe. The authorities in Chechnya have denied that ‘gay people exist’ in the area which has provoked an even bigger reaction against Russia.

Donate: Our Chechnya Crisis Appeal is raising funds to support the Russian LGBT Network help evacuate LGBTI people

Terry Reintke, co-chair of the LGBTI Intergroup said: ‘Not only do LGBTI people exist, but they have human rights just like everyone else. We will continue to fight so LGBTI people are safe in Chechnya and everyone else in the world.’

Many international institutions such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the [Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe] have demanded an end to these human rights violations and condemned Chechnya’s actions.

Sophie in’t Veld, vice-president of the LGBTI Intergroup, demanded immediate action should be taken to stop this obvious violation of human rights and highlighted Russia’s wrong doings.

‘We cannot wait until more people are detained, tortured and killed,’ she said.

‘It is about time Russia listens to the multiple recommendations and requests from the international community.’

Chechnya Crisis Appeal

As well as using our investigative journalism to keep you informed about what’s happening on-the-ground as it happens; we’re inviting you to make a difference today by donating to the Chechyna Crisis Appeal.

Every dollar, euro and pound you give will help evacuate LGBTI people in the most danger. And to pressure the Chechen authorities to stop this persecution.

Please also share our appeal with your followers, friends and family; ensuring we raise awareness and apply pressure to permanently end this abuse.

See also

This is what it’s like to be tortured in a Chechnya gay concentration camp

Lesbians are also being killed in Chechnya and ‘no-one seems to care’

LGBTI crisis in Chechnya: People tortured in ‘gay purge’ need to flee the country