In Karachay-Cherkessia, МВД officers detained 16 local residents on suspicion of «organizing the activities of an extremist organization» over an LGBTQ dating group. This was reported by the SK SOS Crisis Group, citing a source.
According to rights advocates, the detainees were members of a local VK group for queer dating that remained one of the few not blocked in the region. Local media reported that a criminal case has already been opened against the “organizer.” It is unknown who exactly this may refer to and whether it means one person.
On April 27, security officers came to the home of one of the group’s members. The young man’s home was searched and his phone was seized. Police examined the contents of the device and the messages in the group. After that, the man was taken to the Investigative Committee, where, rights advocates said, he saw about 15 other men.
“One guy behaved uncooperatively, they put handcuffs on him and took him into an office for questioning. Cries could be heard from there, as if from blows. He came out of the office bruised and bleeding,” the SK SOS Crisis Group writes.
Rights advocates asked readers to share any information they have about what is happening.