MEPs condemn attack on LGBT activists in Kyrgyzstan on IDAHOT
An attack on LGBT rights activists in Kyrgyzstan last weekend on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), has been condemned by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
A group of LGBT activists were threatened by a group of men, and one was injured when demonstrating in Kyrgyzstan.
The activists were taken to the police station, where they were refused legal representation, and suffered physical and verbal abuse. Some were told to reveal their genitalia.
A case under article 234 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to hooliganism, has been opened, and activists will appeal to the Proscutor’s Office to complain about the police behaviour.
One month ago, the office of Labrys, the main LGBT rights organisation in Kyrgyzstan, was attacked, and the country’s Parliament is currently considering a bill similar to that in Russia, which would criminalise giving out information “aimed at forming positive attitudes toward non-traditional sexual relations.”
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the Parliament to drop the bill.
Daniele Viotti MEP, Co-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI rights, reacted: “While not even adopted, the Kyrgyz anti-propaganda bill is already showing its poisonous effects on the lives of LGBTI people.”
“We urgently call on the Kyrgyz parliament to drop this bill, and to unequivocally state that homophobia and transphobia have no place in Kyrgyzstan.”
Beatriz Becerra MEP, Member of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, and co-author of the January resolution on anti-LGBTI legislation in Kyrgyzstan, reacted: “This targeted attack against the LGBTI community in Kyrgyzstan must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by all. Homophobia and transphobia as are unacceptable, be it inside or outside the European Union.”
“We call for a serious investigation into these acts, including the degrading behaviour by the police, and their outright condemnation by political authorities!”
