VP/HR — Homophobia in Chechnya
12.4.2017
Question for written answer E-002719-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE)
The Chechen Government has started a campaign of harassment of LGTBI citizens, during which 100 homosexuals have been arrested and at least 3 have been killed extrajudicially. This information has been confirmed by the Russian Federal Security Service and by Chechen activists.
The Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, which uncovered the information, also disclosed the existence of a concentration camp that is being used to repress homosexuals or force them into exile. The Chechen authorities, including the Chechen President, Ramzán Kadýrov, have justified and publicly promoted violence against homosexuals whilst simultaneously denying their existence.
In view of the severity of these crimes, which have been condemned in a press release by the VP/HR:
- 1.What have the Chechen authorities done in response to the request for an investigation into the kidnapping and murder of LGTBI citizens?
- 2.What measures will be taken to make it easier for the victims to gain the right to asylum in accordance with community law?
- 3.To what extent do LGTBI citizens in the Russian Federation have rights, and to what extent do bilateral talks with the country’s authorities allow them to hold Gay Pride demonstrations?