April 20, 2017
Watch: In Disturbing CNN Report, Gay Men Speak Out About Abuse in Chechnya
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Two anonymous gay men who said they escaped a concentration camp in the Russian republic of Chechnya spoke with CNN this week, opening up about the abuse they've endured.
Earlier this month, respected Russian news source Novaya Gazeta reported more than 100 men suspected of being gay were rounded up and placed in a "camp." There, they were reportedly tortured and at least three men were killed.
Leaders from both the Chechen government and Russia have denied the claims. On Thursday, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin said investigators did not find evidence to back up Novaya Gazeta's reports.
In a new and disturbing report from CNN this week, a man named "Ahmed" spoke anonymously, claiming Chechen authorities targeted him.
"My car got stopped at a Chechen police checkpoint and they asked me for my documents," he told CNN's Matthew Chance. "They looked at them and said: 'We are taking you.'"
Another anonymous man, who also said he was targeted, detailed the abuse he suffered from Chechen officials.
"They started beating me with their fists and feet," he told Chance. "They wanted to get names of my gay friends from me.
"Then they tied wires to my hands and put metal clippers on my ears to electrocute me," he continued. "They've got special equipment, which is very powerful. When they shock you, you jump high above the ground."
Despite having a poor record on marriage equality, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley recently spoke out about the reports. In a statement Monday, she said the allegations "cannot be ignored" and that the U.S. is "disturbed" by the reports.
"If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored - Chechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses," Haley said. "We are against all forms of discrimination, including against people based on sexual orientation. When left unchecked, discrimination and human rights abuses can lead to destabilization and conflict."
Watch CNN's report below.
