mirror
Hundreds protested outside the Russian Embassy today against the reported torture and murder of gay men in Chechnya.
Up to 100 men are said to be held in concentration-style camps in the southern Russian republic. At least three have died.
Michael Salter-Church, co-chair of Pride in London, said: « It sends a shudder down the spine to hear about concentration camps in 2017. »
He added: « Russia’s abuses cannot be ignored. »
Demonstrators draped in rainbows screamed « close the camps » and laid pink flowers as passing traffic beeped their horns in support.
Peter Scott-Presland, 68, told the Press Association: « I wanted to show solidarity so they know they’re not alone.
« They are being supported and we send them all of our love. »
Steve Peck, 59, added: « This is happening internationally…it is unacceptable and has to stop. »
The story broke on April 1 in an explosive report by respected campaigning newspaper Novaya Gazeta.
It claimed Chechen authorities were attempting a « complete cleansing » of homosexuals.
The Chechen Interior Ministry branded it an « April Fools’ joke », with Kremlin-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov saying there were no homosexuals in the republic for them to persecute.
His spokesman Alvi Karimov told Interfax news agency « you cannot arrest or repress people who just don’t exist in the republic ».
But Human Rights Watch said it was in « no doubt » about whether the « devastating developments » were happening.
Meanwhile, the Russian LGBT Network said they had been contacted by around 40 men affected by the round-up after setting up a confidential hotline.
Some men have reportedly been released severely injured, while others remain detained but exact details and numbers remain unclear.
Conservative peer Baroness Anelay said: « The detention and ill-treatment of over 100 gay men in Chechnya is extremely concerning