LGBT People Are Being Harassed and Beaten On Camera In Russia

If you’ve been keeping up with the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, you are probably aware of the countries harsh laws against LGBT people. With Russian president Vladmir Puntin claiming that it is safe for gays in Russia, this video proves otherwise.

The Human Rights Organization has found videos online that show people out in the open in Russia taunting and beating up gay people. There are also instances where police are arresting the victims instead of the attackers.

According to The Russian LGBT Network, three deaths were reported last year incited by homophobia.

People are also punished who if they violate the country’s LGBT anti-propaganda law. They can face deportation and time in jail.

The Human Rights watch are calling on Russian leaders to change their anti-gay laws and punish the suspects who beat, threaten and harm LGBT people.

“The Russian authorities have the power to protect the rights of LGBT people, but instead they are ignoring their responsibility to do so,” said Tanya Cooper, Russia researcher at Human Rights Watch. “By turning a blind eye to hateful homophobic rhetoric and violence, Russian authorities are sending a dangerous message as the world is about to arrive on its doorstep for the Olympics that there is nothing wrong with attacks on gay people.”

Some of the images in the video are graphic, watch with caution.