reports detailed disturbing accounts of individuals believed to be gay being subjected to horrific treatment in grozny, russia. one account describes a man being interrogated by police officers who presented him with photographs of other men, questioning him about his associations with them.
the interrogation took place within a cell holding approximately 40 inmates, a mix of suspected drug users and individuals accused of being sympathetic to jihadist movements.
another testimony recounted the ordeal of a man who was brought into the cell after being tortured.
his screams were reportedly audible before he was physically present. upon being thrown into the cell, he was described as being in very bad shape, clutching his side in pain. he was subjected to the same interrogation, being shown pictures of other gay men and questioned about his knowledge of them.
verbal abuse and physical violence
the detainees were subjected to relentless humiliation, both verbally and physically.
guards reportedly used obscene language, referring to them with derogatory slurs and probing into their sexual activities. the inmates were forced to endure this abuse while being watched by other prisoners. physical violence was also common, with guards striking them on the head with sticks.
forced labor and further degradation
the mistreatment extended to forced labor and further degradation.
three inmates, anzor, aslanbek, and vakha, were compelled to clean corridors, toilets, floors, and doors, some of which led to sealed rooms. during this time, the police officers continued to mock them, shaving their heads and subjecting them to further questioning, accompanied by kicks and beatings with sticks.
anzor was forced to display the bruises on his buttocks and upper legs.
vakha was later taken from the cell and reportedly released to his family. the following day, anzor was forced to shave the beards and hair of two new inmates, also believed to be gay, who were then placed in a separate room and never seen again by anzor.
denial of basic rights
for the initial four days, the presumed gay inmates were denied the right to pray with the other prisoners.
they were also deprived of food and drink, only having access to water when they were forced to clean the floor and toilet. after five days, they were moved to a smaller, isolated cell.
before being transferred to the new cell, anzor and aslanbek were taken to a garage across from the main building.
they were ordered to strip, forced to crouch against a wall, and then subjected to beatings on the head and buttocks, along with further acts of torture and abuse. following this, they were dragged back to the building. that evening, aslanbek was released to his father, and eventually, anzor was also allowed to leave with his father.
escape from chechnya and testimonies of abuse
anzor subsequently fled chechnya.
another individual, khussein, reported being physically abused and pressured to identify other gay men. he described being beaten on the buttocks, having the backs of his hands cut and beaten, and being struck on the head with a polypropylene pipe.
movsar, who had been living outside chechnya for several years, returned to grozny for a family wedding.
shortly after a date left his residence, he was apprehended by individuals claiming to be neighborhood duty officers. he realized he had been set up.
torture and confinement
movsar found another man, seemingly in his 30s, handcuffed to a radiator in the same room.
the man had been held there for a week. movsar was then subjected to torture, including being beaten on the calves with a crowbar. he was later taken to the office of the chief of the criminal investigation unit and threatened.
release and survival
movsar was eventually released, but not before being threatened with death if he revealed what had happened.
he sought refuge with relatives outside chechnya. albert, fearing for his safety, also left chechnya, changed his sim card, and stayed with a friend before returning to his apartment.
renewed persecution
four men later came to albert's apartment and began beating him, demanding that he identify other gay people.
he was subjected to electric shocks using a device resembling an old phone. he was then held in a basement for three days without food, receiving only water. he was later photographed and fingerprinted before being released, likely due to the intervention of friends with connections to authorities.
albert sustained bruises on his arms, back, and thighs, which eventually faded, but he continued to experience difficulty moving his arms for some time after his ordeal.
legal battles and societal context
a court in st.
petersburg initially ruled in his favor in a related suit, but the ruling was appealed. these events highlight the systemic discrimination and persecution faced by gay individuals in chechnya and the broader societal context in russia, where homophobia and violence against lgbtq+ individuals are prevalent.
the haven of central station nightclub
in contrast to the grim realities faced by lgbtq+ individuals in chechnya, moscow's central station nightclub strives to be a haven, despite facing horrific attacks.
the nightclub, known for its drag queen shows, represents a space where individuals can express themselves freely, but it is constantly under threat.
drag as empowerment
alexei, a member of the drag community, believes that drag is empowering in a society where gays are often hated and reviled.
the club provides a space where they can feel free and respected. however, lishchinsky, the club manager, notes that things have worsened, and he fears for the club's survival.
escalating violence and intimidation
lishchinsky attributes a recent increase in gay muggings and bashings outside the club to new signs displaying anti-gay rhetoric.
the club has also been the target of violent attacks. in one instance, two armed men attempted to break into the club, leaving bullet holes in the front door. the attackers expressed explicit hatred towards gay people. these attacks have negatively impacted the club's business.
despite the dangers, the drag queens continue to perform each night.
lishchinsky reported that the internal ventilation system was rigged to attack patrons with water and, in some cases, toxic gas. chemical reports confirmed the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a potentially deadly gas, in amounts far exceeding acceptable safety norms.
other forms of harassment
in another incident, a group of 50 men forcibly entered the property, destroyed the roof, and stole property before engaging in a shoot-out.
a "morality patrol" van monitors the club, videotaping patrons as they come and go, which lishchinsky views as another form of harassment.
the individuals in the "morality patrol" claimed they were providing security for the guests and ensuring that nothing illegal occurred, suggesting that extremist anti-gay groups might be responsible for the attacks.
they emphasized the disapproval of local groups towards gay clubs and homosexuals.
a desire for choice and acceptance
the situation highlights the ongoing struggle for lgbtq+ rights in russia, where societal attitudes and government policies often contribute to a climate of fear and discrimination.
despite the challenges, individuals and organizations continue to fight for acceptance and the right to live freely and openly.
the importance of awareness
it is crucial to raise awareness about the human rights violations faced by lgbtq+ individuals in chechnya and russia.
these stories serve as a reminder of the importance of advocating for equality and challenging discrimination wherever it exists. support for organizations working to protect and empower lgbtq+ individuals is essential in creating a more just and equitable world.