VP/HR — Persecution of gay men in Chechnya

12.4.2017

Question for written answer E-002683-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Pina Picierno (S&D) , Daniele Viotti (S&D) , Isabella De Monte (S&D) , Brando Benifei (S&D) , Patrizia Toia (S&D) , Luigi Morgano (S&D)

Shocking media reports on Chechnya have been circulating in recent days, detailing the establishment of concentration camps to detain gay men in the country. Innocent people are reportedly being tortured, humiliated and executed, solely on the grounds of their sexual orientation. Novaya Gazeta, the only independent Russian newspaper, reports that more than 100 men suspected of being gay have been detained and at least three have been killed.

Accounts speak of a genuine witch-hunt, apparently led by the Chechen police themselves. Agents pretend to be gay men on dating websites or social media in order to make arrests, and then use telephone contact lists to track down other undeclared gay men. Once detained, those alleged to be homosexual are locked in tiny dark cells, and mercilessly beaten and tortured using a number of methods. Survivors are returned to their family, which often constitutes a death penalty.

In the light of the aforementioned reports, is the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy aware of such atrocities? What actions can the EU take to stop them or to ensure the safety of those fleeing them?