Chechen MIA: information on harassment of gays in republic not confirmed

The law enforcement agencies of Chechnya did not receive any complaints about harassment and killings of persons of nonconventional sexual orientation on the territory of the republic. This was reported by Ruslan Alkhanov, Chechen Minister of Internal Affairs.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 1, the newspaper "Novaya Gazeta" reported about mass detentions in Chechnya of men suspected of unconventional sexual orientation. Later, the newspaper "Novaya Gazeta" reported with reference to gays persecuted in Chechnya that in Argun, a "secret prison" had been arranged for people with unconventional sexual orientation. According to the "Radio Liberty", another similar prison, where members of sexual minorities are beaten and humiliated, is located in the Chechen village of Tsotsi-Yurt.

"A pseudo sensational statement about the alleged detention of more than 160 men of nonconventional sexual orientation, 50 of whom were killed, had no basis and was far-fetched. The law enforcement agencies received no complaints. Moreover, no such messages were sent to 'hotlines' of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) for the ChechenRepublic and the own security operational-search unit of the MIA for the ChechenRepublic," stated Ruslan Alkhanov.

The Minister has noted that the Chechen MIA "investigates every fact voiced in the media on the topic." The checks have been launched immediately after the publication of the material in the 'Novaya Gazeta'," Ruslan Alkhanov said. And he continued: "The information did not find any objective evidence, and the materials of the official inspection were sent to the Investigating Department for the ChechenRepublic of the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF)."

Ruslan Alkhanov has also added that after making a procedural decision, the MIA for the ChechenRepublic intends to appeal to the court, reports today the website of the Chechen MIA.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.