MEPs condemn attacks against Kyrgyz LGBTI activists
Last Sunday, LGBTI activist in Kyrgyzstan were attacked on a celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).
A large group of aggressive men threatened and insulted the activists. One of the participants was injured.
When taken to the police station as witnesses, participants were refused legal representation, suffered verbal and physical abuse, and some were demanded to reveal their genitalia.
In reaction, a criminal case under article 234 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code has been opened. Activists also intend to appeal to the Prosecutor’s Office concerning the police’s behaviour.
The events follow an attack against the office of Labrys, the main LGBTI organisation, a month ago.
The Kyrgyz Parliament is currently considering a bill that would criminalize the dissemination of information “aimed at forming positive attitudes toward non-traditional sexual relations.”
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.”
In January, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the Kyrgyz parliament to drop the anti-propaganda bill. Leaders of all EU institutions joined the Parliament’s call.
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!”
Read more
- Read previous posts on Kyrgyzstan
- Read the European Parliament resolution on Kyrgyzstan: homosexual propaganda bill
