53 members of the US Congress have written to Donald Trump, pleading with him to speak out against the persecution of gay men in Chechnya. The federal representatives have called on the President to condemn the ongoing kidnappings, torture and killings of gay men which have plagued the region since April. Despite repeated urgings, Trump

Chechnya: Lesbians, Bi and Trans People Now in Firing Line

All LGBT people are targeted in Chechnya, but the situation is far more urgent for gay men. The Russian LGBT Network was not surprised the Chechen government started its persecution of gay men again. A spokesperson for the Network told Gay Star News that the persecution likely slowed down during the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan.

Congress Passes Resolution Condemning LGBTQ Torture in Chechnya

Congress passed a bipartisan resolution on Tuesday condemning anti-LGBTQ persecution and violence in Chechnya. House resolution 351 was introduced on May 23 by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican who has an out transgender son and is a frequent advocate for LGBTQ rights. Ros-Lehtinen is also a member of the House LGBT Equality Caucus. The

Each year 17th of May is commemorated as an International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) in order to raise awareness of the LGBT* issues worldwide. This year the occasion inspired the members of the European Parliament to take action and issue a resolution regarding the gross violation of human rights in Chechnya, where

Lithuania First Country to Grant Asylum to Gay Men Escaping Chechnya

Lithuania has become one of the first countries to give refuge to men fleeing Chechnya because of their sexuality. It was revealed in April that the Chechen government was detaining, torturing and even killing gay and bisexual men. Lithuania’s foreign minister, Linas Linkevičius, confirmed his government granted asylum to two men. ‘I can confirm that

Tormentors in Cechnya Should be Punished

The news from Chechnya, where gay and bi-sexual men are being tortured in concentration camps, have made many world leaders react strongly. Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel has protested to Russian president Vladimir Putin and more leaders of the free world have also mouthed their protest. But where does the Icelandic government stand in this

Chechnya Police: Kill Your Gay Children Before We Kill Them in Torture Camps

Chechnya’s police force has issued a chilling warning to the parents of gay men. According to a survivor’s account, the authorities have instructed parents in the region to murder their gay children for “honour”. Police are threatening parents with the line: “Either you do it, or we will,” one man who survived the brutality has

Four More Prisons for Gay Men Have Been Found in Chechnya

Journalists investigating the abuse of gay men in Chechnya have made a gruesome discovery. Respected newspaper Novaya Gazeta originally reported that gay men were being held in two concentration camp style prisons in the region. Reports initially centred on two jails in the villages of Argun and Tsotsi-Yurt. However journalists from the area now say

Last weekend, Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta published an article reporting that over 100 people have been detained on suspicion for being gay in Chechnya, and suffered torture and humiliation. At least three men were killed. At his opening statement today, the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani MEP condemned the attacks: “I will confirm once