ALDE, 06.04.2017

The Liberal and Democrat Group in the European Parliament strongly condemns the violent actions of the Chechen government, as several people are reportedly feared dead and over a hundred jailed, following violent raids held across the country.

Initial reports published by Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta have now been separately confirmed by Human Rights Watch and the International Crisis Group, both of which cite on-the-ground sources that appear to confirm gay men have been targeted for detention.

ALDE MEP, Beatriz Becerra (Independent, Spain), Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, said:

“The horrific persecutions against homosexuals in Chechnya are unacceptable. The complicity of Chechen authorities is obscene. I call on Ramzan Kadyrov to immediately stop this crackdown on gay people and immediately start an investigation into the alleged crimes reported by international human rights organisations.”

MEP Marietje Schaake (D66, The Netherlands), ALDE Group’s urgency resolutions coordinator, asked for immediate investigation if not by Chechen then by Russian authorities:

“The crimes committed by Chechen authorities against homosexual people are atrocious. The rhetoric used by Chechen officials against the LGBTI community and the denial of the very existence of homosexuality are flagrant human rights violations and pit family members and friends against their loved ones. If authorities under the control of Ramzan Kadyrov are incapable or unwilling to investigate these heinous crimes, Russia, as a member of the Council of Europe should push for an investigation on a national level.”

ALDE MEP, Petras Auštrevičius (Liberal Movement of Lithuania), added:

“The brutal campaign targeting the LGTBI community in Chechnya is yet another example of Russia paying lip service to human rights principles. I call on the authorities to put an end to this cycle of homophobic violence and harassment and guarantee a swift investigation into the cases.”

Source