New Wave Of Detainment & Torture For LGBTs In Chechnya

A year and a half after over 100 gay men were detained and tortured, some killed, by a secret police force in Chechnya, a new wave of detainments has occurred reports the Russian LGBT Network.

Igor Kochetkov, program director for Russian LGBT Network, said in a statement “that it is impossible to name the precise number of victims.”

“However, we know that around 40 people were detained, both men and women,” said Kochetkov. “At least two people died as a result of tortures. We also know that the detentions are conducted by the law enforcement officers, and the victims are detained in Argun.”

“Persecution of men and women suspected of being gay never stopped,” added the LGBT activist. “It’s only that its scale has been changing.”

According to a social media post on January 10th, activists are urging LGBTQ Chechens to flee immediately. “We ask anyone still free to take this message seriously and leave the republic as soon as is possible,” the statement read.

Since 2017 Russian LGBT Network has helped to evacuate approximately 150 gay men out of Chechnya.

Reports of the anti-LGBTQ crackdown in Chechnya first came in December 2016.

Chechen authorities, most of whom are former military members who serve as Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov’s secret police force, reportedly detain suspected gay men under the pretense of drug charges.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov

Once detained, police search the men’s phones contacts for other suspects, using torture to get as much info as possible.

In the past, Kadyrov has vowed to kill all gay men.

Russian LGBT Network has reported that the torturers use “electrocution, beatings, starvation, dehydration, isolation, forced nudity, homophobic insults and misgendering” to punish detainees, confiscating their personal belongings and only allowing them to sleep three hours a day on cold concrete floors. The men are not allowed to bathe or use toilets and they receive no medical care.

The victims have no where to turn as filing a complaint could make them a target for future harassment and violence.

Women have been caught in the crackdown too, though they’re often left to their families be abused, imprisoned or killed.

The Russia LGBT Network has helped approximately 119 gay and bi men escape the purge and flee to Moscow, Canada Lithuania, France and Germany.

Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reports least 27 people are believed to have died in the crackdown.

And as with the first reports of the gay purge, Chechen officials deny any and all allegations.

Ty Cobb, director of Human Rights Campaign Global, released the following statement regarding the resurgence in detainments:

"Nearly two years after reports first surfaced of anti-LGBTQ violence and killings in Chechnya, we are once again hearing disturbing accounts of state-sanctioned detentions and abuse.

"We have repeatedly called on the Trump-Pence White House to speak out and help bring an end to this persecution, but instead the White House has largely ignored the actions of the Russian-backed regime in Chechnya.

"Human rights violators in Chechnya must be held accountable and be brought to justice. Lives are hanging in the balance."

Indonesia: Two Men Publicly Flogged For The Crime Of Homosexuality

Hundreds of people cheered as a gay couple were flogged more than 80 times in a public square in Indonesia’s Aceh province, where Sharia Law is observed.

A vigilante mob, suspecting the men of homosexual behavior, apprehended the men in a beauty salon earlier this year and handed them over to authorities.

AFP reports:

A crowd of about 1,000 people, including tourists from neighboring Malaysia, snapped pictures and shouted “flog them harder” as a hooded figure rained down lashes from a rattan cane on their backs.

The unidentified men were the second gay couple whipped in public this year in Aceh, underscoring the increasing discrimination faced by Indonesia’s small LGBT community.

Aceh is the only region in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, that imposes Islamic law. Public flogging is a common punishment for a range of offenses including gambling, drinking alcohol, and having gay sex or relations outside of marriage.

Officials in Aceh had previously announced an end to the practice that has been described as "medieval torture" but, to date, there has been no change in policy.

Florida: Broward County Commission Bans "Ex-Gay" Therapy

The Broward County Commission voted unanimously today to ban conversion therapy (also known as ex-gay torture), becoming the 16th and largest Florida municipality to outlaw the harmful practice.

Other municipalities in the Sunshine State with similar bans include Palm Beach County, Boca Raton, Miami, Tampa, Wilton Manors, Key West, and Oakland Park.

To date, nine states have banned the abusive practice as well as several major cities including Philadelphia, Washington DC, Seattle, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, and many more.

Broward County Commissioner @MichaelUdine on banning gay conversion therapy. Well said, brother! #BrowardCounty #browardcommission pic.twitter.com/19s1WNcA9c

— Ryan Ross (@RyanRossFL) January 9, 2018

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Azerbaijan Follows Chechnya In Rounding Up And Torturing LGBTs

(photo credit: Ghvinotsdaati, Wikimedia Commons)

After months of reports of gay men being rounded up and tortured in Chechnya, now the neighboring country is Azerbaijan seems to be following suit.

From Eurasianet:

Police have detained dozens of gay and transsexual people in Azerbaijan following a number of raids around Baku, with reports of torture and beatings, local LGBT activists have reported.

It's unclear what prompted the roundup, or how many people have been affected. Lawyers working on the cases say that at least 100 people have been detained over a period of several days.

"Suddenly, without any clear reasons to us, police officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs organized raids against gay and transsexual people,” said Javid Nabiyev, the president of the Nefes LGBT Azerbaijan Alliance, in a video message published on September 22.

Nabiyev said that the raids took place in private homes and public places where gay people are known to congregate. Some of those detained have been forced to inform on their friends. Family members and lawyers have been denied access to the detainees.

The Sweden-based human rights group Civil Rights Defenders spoke to several activists in Baku on condition of anonymity.

"Activists report that the detainees were subjected to beatings, verbal abuse, and forced medical examinations, as well as transsexual women’s heads being forcibly shaven," the group said in a statement. "Many were released only after giving up the addresses of fellow members of the LGBTI community, who were then in turn arrested and subjected to the same treatment. An undetermined number of those detained have been sentenced to either 20 or 30 days of administrative detention."

Azerbaijan has a terrible record on LGBT rights and ranks near the bottom of European countries in terms of laws and practices regarding the LGBT community.

Chechnya Resumes Rounding Up/Torture Of Gay Men

Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov

Buzzfeed News is reporting that the rounding up and torture of gay men in Chechnya has resumed according to LGBT activist group, Russia LGBT Network.

The independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta first reported that around 100 people had been kidnapped in the crackdown in April, but Russian activists reported that sources in the region said the detentions had stopped following an international outcry.

Igor Kochetkov of the Russia LGBT Network, which is working to evacuate people targeted in the purge from the region, now tells BuzzFeed News the organization has gotten around 10 calls reporting new detentions since Ramadan ended on June 24.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has not only denied that the torture has taken place, he says that gays don't even exist in his country.

No word as to whether or not President Trump brought up the issue to Russian President Putin during their meeting today at the G20 summit.

The White House has not addressed the issue since the first reports began in April.

House Of Representatives Unanimously Passes Resolution Condemning Torture & Killing Of Gay Men In Chechnya

After months of news that gay and bisexual men of Chechnya were being rounded up, tortured and, in some cases killed, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution condemning the actions of the Chechen government.

Via press release:

The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus commended the House of Representatives for passing H.Res.351, a bipartisan resolution condemning the detention, torture, and murders of gay and bisexual men in Chechnya. H.Res.351 was introduced by LGBT Caucus founding member and former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) on May 23rd and passed in the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 25th by unanimous voice vote. H.Res.351 has 83 bipartisan cosponsors. H.Res.351 passed by voice vote.

“I’m proud that the House passed this strong resolution condemning the recent violence targeting gay men in Chechnya. Now, it’s critical that we do more to ensure those fleeing horrific violence can relocate somewhere safe,” said LGBT Caucus CoChair Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01). “This is an important step, but there is much more work left to be done.”

“We will continue to stand united with the LGBT community and shine a bright light on these atrocities, which are encouraged by the evil Putin regime in Russia, in order to help ensure that those who are responsible for these crimes are held to account for their despicable actions,” said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27)

“The People’s House has now made its collective and unanimous voice known: the situation in Chechnya cannot stand,” said LGBT Equality Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47). “We as a nation must lead the world in acting. It is our duty and responsibility to be the beacon on the hill that leads the way. It is now up to President Trump, Secretary of State Tillerson, and our United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley to follow through on the consensus of the House and bring as much domestic and international political pressure as possible on the Russian government to rein in these deplorable human rights violations.”

House condemned the violence against gay & bisexual men in Chechnya. Proud to cosponsor this resolution. We have our #eyesonChechnya. pic.twitter.com/Yd2sXoZ2bq

— Rep. Susan Davis (@RepSusanDavis) June 27, 2017

House just passed res. I cosponsored to condemn anti-#LGBTQ violence in Chechnya. #EyesOnChechnya pic.twitter.com/AZ8nT7XELH

— Sean Patrick Maloney (@RepSeanMaloney) June 27, 2017

We OKed HRes351 on a voice vote today, condemning #Chechnya's anti-#LGBT violence. We won't ignore human rights violations. #EyesonChechnya

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) June 27, 2017

Today, Congress took action by passing #HRes351 to show we have #EyesOnChechnya. We cannot stand by while the LGBT community is targeted.

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) June 27, 2017

Thrilled to co-sponsor House Resolution 351, which just passed! We have our #EyesOnChechnya and we stand for LGBTQIA rights here and abroad.

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 27, 2017

French President Macron To Putin: We Need "Complete Truth" Regarding Torture Of Gay Men In Chechnya

President Putin of Russia (L), President Macron of France (R)

While President Trump has yet to address the horrific torture of gay men in Chechnya, newly-elected French President Macron brought up the subject immédiatement in his first face to face meeting with Russian President Putin.

From the New York Times:

On human rights, Mr. Macron said he had raised the troubles facing gay and transgender people in Chechnya as well as those of nongovernmental organizations.

Mr. Macron said that he had discussed the reports of collective punishment of gay men in Chechnya with Mr. Putin and that they had agreed on a “very regular monitoring” of the situation.

Mr. Macron said Mr. Putin had told him he had taken measures to “establish the complete truth on the activities of local authorities” in Chechnya, but he did not specify what those measures were. Chechnya is under the control of a pro-Kremlin leader, Ramzan A. Kadyrov.

“As for me, I will be constantly vigilant on these issues, which are in keeping with our values,” Mr. Macron said.

Although he did not dispute Mr. Macron’s characterization, Mr. Putin did not mention gay people during the news conference.

In related news, Joël Deumier, president of French LGBT rights organization SOS Homophobie, told FranceInfo that France has started taking in gay refugees from Chechnya.

Earlier this month, Buzzfeed reported that the U.S. State Department has denied visas to gay Chechens fleeing persecution.

Human Rights Watch Reports On Beatings & Electrocution Of Gay Men In Chechnya

President Ramzan Kadyrov of Chechen Republic

Human Rights Watch has published a report detailing the horrific treatment and torture of gay men in Chechnya.

According to the report, the speaker of Chechnya’s parliament, Magomed Daudov, was involved in authorizing the violence.

Radio Free Europe details the torture ranging from beatings to electrocution devices.

"All of the victims suffered repeated beatings," the report said. "Security officials kicked them with booted feet, beat them with polypropylene pipes and sticks, and made other inmates beat them" -- mostly on the men’s buttocks and legs.

"They put you face down on the floor and beat you with pipes," one victim told Human Rights Watch. "Then they force other prisoners [held for allegedly supporting insurgents or for alleged drug offenses] to carry on with the beating. Each man gets some 70 to 80 blows. And so it goes.... And you literally turn black and blue from waist to toes."

The rights group says local Chechen authorities also used electrocution devices to torture the victims.

Former detainees described those devices as machines with a knob on one side and wires sticking out of it with metal clips at the ends -- clips which were attached to the victims' fingers, toes, and earlobes.

"They turn the knob, electric current hits you, and you start shaking," a former detainee told Human Rights Watch. "And they keep turning the hellish machine, and the pain is just insane. You scream and scream and you no longer know who you are."

"Finally, you faint," the former detainee continued. "It all goes dark. But when you come to your senses, they start all over again. And once they’re done with you and you get your bearings, you hear other inmates screaming. The sounds of torture are just there all day, and at some point you start losing your mind."

Many of the victims were returned to their families where authorities suggested the relatives perform "honor killings"

Human Rights Watch urges the European Union and the United States to intervene and offer sanctuary to the victims.

Former Vice President Joe Biden has called on President Trump to address the human rights violations. Trump has not spoken publicly to date about the ongoing atrocities.

Joe Biden Urges Trump Administration To Address Torture/Murder Of Gay Men In Chechnya

My man, former Vice President Joe Biden, issued this statement today via Facebook regarding the horrific human rights abuses against gay men in Chechnya:

"I am disgusted and appalled by reports from both the Russian media and non-governmental organizations that authorities in the Russian republic of Chechnya have rounded up, tortured, and even murdered individuals who are believed to be gay. When faced with such crimes of hate and inhumanity, it is the responsibility of every person of conscience to speak out—to oppose this campaign of violence before it continues further.

"Every man or woman on this earth is entitled to be treated with dignity—to live without fear and to love freely. Unfortunately, the human rights abuses perpetrated by Chechen authorities and the culture of impunity that surrounds them means that these hate crimes are unlikely to ever be properly investigated or that the perpetrators will see justice. But that does not mean that we should fail to defend basic human rights, fundamental freedoms, and universal values.

"I hope that the current administration lives up to the promises it has made to advance human rights for everyone by raising this issue directly with Russia’s leaders. The United States must lead the way to demand an end to these egregious violations of human rights."

Where is President Trump on this?

We've heard nothing from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson nor United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Why so silent?

Putin Spokesman: "We Do Not Have Any Reliable Information" On Torture Of Gay Men In Chechnya

Russian President Vladimir Putin

As the world continues to respond in outrage over reports that over 100 gay men have been rounded up, beaten and tortured in Chechnya, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin denies any knowledge of horrific crimes.

“We do not have any reliable information about any problems in this area” in the Chechen Republic, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday.

Chechnya is a federal subject of Russia, and it's leader - Ramzan Kadyrov - is a close ally of Putin.

In 2009, the American organization Freedom House included Chechnya in the "Worst of the Worst" list of most repressive societies in the world. Torture and executions are not uncommon in the Chechen Republic.

Donald Trump Flip-Flops On Torture/Killing Terrorists' Families

At last night's Republican debate Donald Trump was asked about his recent statements regarding torture, specifically saying he would do “worse” than torture and would want soldiers to kill terrorists’ families.

When Trump was informed by the moderator that that was straight up illegal according to international law and soldiers wouldn't be able to follow such orders, Trump replied, "They won’t refuse. They’re not gonna refuse me. Believe me. I’m a leader, I’ve always been a leader. I’ve never had any problem leading people. If I say do it, they’re going to do it.”

Apparently that did not sit well at the Pentagon this morning. Military leaders get nervous about being ordered to break international laws.

So, this afternoon The Donald flip-flopped issued a statement clarifying that he would not order the U.S. military to violate international laws to fight terrorism.

From CNN:

Trump said in a statement that he understands “that the United States is bound by laws and treaties” and said he would “not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters.”

He added, “I will not order a military officer to disobey the law. It is clear that as president I will be bound by laws just like all Americans and I will meet those responsibilities.”

Matt Baume Looks At The Strange, Horrible History Of "Ex-Gay" Therapy

After several posts about so-called "ex-gay" torture therapy here on The Randy Report, I did encounter a few people who asked me, "What if someone wants to be 'cured' of the gay? Shouldn't they be able to do that?"

And the answer? Of course. Except - it doesn't work.

And the history behind most of the "treatments" is pretty sketchy - forced cuddling, horse stroking, and monkey testicles, anybody?

Smart guy Matt Baume takes us on a disturbing journey through the ages of "curing the gay."

Illinois: State Senate Votes 34-19 To Protect LGBT Youth From "Ex-Gay" Torture

The Illinois state Senate on Friday approved a measure, by a vote of 34-19, that will ban so-called "ex-gay" therapy aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBT youth.

The bill passed by a 34-19 vote after receiving House approval this month. It now heads to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has not indicated whether he plans to sign the bill into law.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston), points to several mental health associations support banning the practice as studies have shown it can be extremely damaging causing “mental illness, trauma and can increase the risk of suicide.”

The legislation would ban mental health providers from using the controversial treatment on anyone under 18 years old.

Currently California, Oregon, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. have approved similar bans on "conversion" therapy.

Oregon Bans "Ex-Gay" Therapy For LGBT Youth

Via press release from the National Center for Lesbian Rights:

Today, the Oregon State Senate passed HB 2307, a bill that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. The bill was overwhelmingly approved by the State House on March 17 and is now heading to the desk of Governor Kate Brown who is expected to sign it into law. When signed into law, Oregon will become the fourth jurisdiction—behind California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia—to pass legislation protecting LGBT youth from the serious harms caused by these practices, which have been linked to substance abuse, serious depression, and even suicide.

HRC and NCLR have partnered with state equality groups across the nation to pass state legislation to end this dangerous practice, including laws passed in California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. In August of 2013, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California’s ban which was signed into law by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown in 2012. On Monday May 4, 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to upheld New Jersey’s ban which was signed into law by Republican Governor Chris Christie in August of 2013. NCLR attorneys have assisted in the defense of every state bill to date.

More at NCLR.org.

Oregon: State House Passes Ban On "Ex-Gay" Therapy For Minors

By a vote of 41-18, the Oregon House has approved legislation that would ban so-called "ex-gay" or "conversion" therapy that purports to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of young people.

The bill would make it illegal for social workers or licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists to practice what's called conversion therapy on children younger than 18.

Laws banning the therapy have passed in New Jersey, California and Washington, D.C. Advocates say bills have been introduced in about two dozen more states.

Rep. Rob Nosse, a Portland Democrat, said the therapy has been widely discredited. He said the therapy can often lead to depression or anxiety in youths.

Psychology experts have called the practice "harmful" and "dangerous."

The bill now heads to the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Dick Cheney Dodges Tough Questions On Torture Allegations

Media Matters addresses some of Former Vice President Dick Cheney's answers to tough questions on this week's Meet The Press.

Cheney dodged most of host Chuck Todd's questions by pushing myths about the CIA's use of torture on terrorist suspects during the Bush administration.

Truth Of The Day: Dan Savage

"Look at Marcus Bachmann, Michele Bachmann’s husband. Anybody who has gaydar—anybody who has eyes—looks at him and sees a tormented closet case who has externalized his internal conflict and is abusing other people, doing his reparative-therapy bullshit. It’s so sad and pathetic.

"A lot of the self-destructive behaviors gay people are prone to drifting into are directed inward, and then you have these shitbags like Marcus Bachmann for whom it’s all directed outward.

"Marcus Bachmann is the photo negative of the guy on the last bar stool in the gay bar, drinking and smoking himself to death, except instead of destroying himself, he’s destroying other vulnerable queer people in an effort to destroy the queer inside himself."

- Savage Love columnist Dan Savage speaking to Playboy

Former "Ex-Gay" Poster Boy Speaks Out Against Harmful Reparative Therapy

After years of being used as an "ex-gay" poster boy, Christian Schizzel has come out publicly against the techniques and practices used to try and change his sexuality.  Says Schizzel of the "ex-gay" movement, "I won't be a weapon anymore."

From Religion News Service:

In an exclusive interview with RNS, Christian tells about his experience with the Janet Boynes Ministries and The Bachmann & Associates counseling centers, the latter operation owned by U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann and husband Marcus Bachmann. Both entities were associated with the now closed Exodus International but are currently still in business. (No response yet for comment. Will update post if that changes.)

At nine years of age, Christian was sexually and physically abused by his step father — a missionary who used Bible verses to silence Christian into submission. He even used scripture during the acts itself to justify the abuse. Years later at the age of 18, after coming out to friends and family, Christian was encouraged to seek help at the ministry. It was there that they used this horrific experience to pinpoint the “cause” of Christian’s sexuality, although Christian said he knew about his sexuality before the abuse.

"Coming out publicly and sharing is important to me because my sexuality has been exploited my whole life by the Christian community both knowingly and un-knowingly."

Christian ends the Q&A by saying he considers his sexuality a natural gift from God, and urges those who support reparative therapy to rethink it's harmful and excruciatingly painful practice.

(h/t JMG)

Sen. John McCain Speaks To CIA "Torture" Report

Sen. John McCain took to the Senate floor today to denounce torture as an "interrogation technique" in light of the newly released Senate investigation report concerning the use of "water boarding" and more.

McCain was taken captive and tortured during the Vietnam War. If anyone knows the effects of torture, he would.

(h/t JMG)

US Senate Report Details CIA Interrogation Program

A report by the US Senate Intelligence Committee detailing interrogation techniques and the detention of suspects by the CIA has been released this morning. The report, which took five years to compile, examines whether the methods of interrogation were more brutal than previously described:

Detainees were deprived of sleep for as long as a week, and were sometimes told that they would be killed while in American custody. With the approval of the C.I.A.'s medical staff, some C.I.A. prisoners were subjected to medically unnecessary “rectal feeding” or “rectal hydration” — a technique that the C.I.A.'s chief of interrogations described as a way to exert “total control over the detainee.” C.I.A. medical staff members described the waterboarding of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the chief planner of the Sept. 11 attacks, as a “series of near drownings.”

The Senate report eventually concludes that the detention and interrogation techniques used on dozens of prisoners often did not result in providing the government “unique” intelligence information that the C.I.A. or other intelligence agencies could not get from other means.

The full report is over 6,000 pages, but only the 524 page summary has been released to the public.

The summary also includes a rebuttal by Republican members of the committee which states the reasoning behind the report is to smear the Bush White House and the C.I.A.

Read the full article at the New York Times.