Introduction

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the human rights situation in the Chechen Republic has significantly deteriorated. The conflict has served as a pretext for intensifying repression against civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as for introducing forced mobilization under the guise of “voluntariness.”

Political Dimension

Government Policy:
Since the beginning of 2022, the Chechen authorities have continued their hardline stance on human rights, particularly toward LGBTQ+ individuals. There has been no sign of easing—instead, repressive practices have adapted to new circumstances. For example, during the war in Ukraine, Chechen security forces began using deployment to the front as a form of punishment: men suspected of homosexuality were given a choice—either pay a ransom (approximately 1.5 million rubles) or “voluntarily” go to war. According to the crisis group SK SOS, at least seven people were forcibly sent to the front this way since September 2022, one of whom was killed. This reflects a tightening of the unofficial policy of "cleansing" society of “undesirable elements” under the cover of external events.

The Role of Ramzan Kadyrov and the Security Apparatus
The Head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, consistently sets the tone for this policy. He publicly positions himself as a guardian of "traditional values" and a staunch opponent of LGBTQ+ people, fully justifying any measures taken against them. In October 2022, Kadyrov expressed support for the federal law banning “LGBTQ+ propaganda” and even proposed increasing the prescribed fines, stating that he considered it an honor to live in a state with “a mother and a father, a boy and a girl,” and the traditional family model.

The Chechen security forces are effectively subordinated to Kadyrov personally and operate beyond the confines of the law, executing his informal directives. A telling example is the case of the family of former judge Yangulbaev: the wife of the former judge, Zarema Musaeva, was abducted by Chechen security forces from Nizhny Novgorod and later faced fabricated charges, while Kadyrov openly threatened the family with imprisonment or physical violence.

Such incidents illustrate that Kadyrov and his inner circle enjoy full backing from the federal center—particularly in light of their role in the war. The Kremlin, reliant on Kadyrov’s loyalty and the participation of his fighters on the Ukrainian front, effectively grants him carte blanche for brutal methods within the republic.

Foreign Policy Context (War and “Traditional Values”)
The war in Ukraine and the accompanying official rhetoric about resisting “decadent Western values” have only strengthened the position of the Chechen authorities. Kadyrov frames the confrontation with Ukraine and the West as an ideological battle: in July 2022, he published photos of transgender individuals serving in NATO forces and claimed that the West promotes such values, while “this will never happen in Russia.” According to him, official materials from Kyiv are “saturated with this vile idea,” whereas President Putin and his team defend natural, healthy values.

In this context, the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in Chechnya aligns with the broader state narrative of protecting “traditional foundations” against external “corruption.” Moreover, during the nationwide mobilization announced in Russia in the fall of 2022, Chechnya largely avoided an open draft, reporting that it had exceeded its recruitment targets thanks to volunteers. However, it appears that some of these “volunteers” were forcibly recruited from vulnerable groups—such as detained LGBTQ+ individuals who were presented with war as an alternative to imprisonment.

The region’s domestic repressive policies have thus become closely intertwined with the external political agenda, in which the LGBTQ+ community is demonized alongside other perceived “enemies” of the state.

Legal Dimension

Legislative Changes:
Since February 2022, Russia has adopted a series of laws that further restrict LGBTQ+ rights and civil liberties. In December 2022, a law was unanimously passed that completely bans so-called “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” among individuals of any age. The fines for violations are severe—up to 5–10 million rubles for legal entities—and the ban applies to media, books, films, advertising, and internet content.

In 2023, repressive measures intensified. In July, President Putin signed a law introducing a total ban on gender transition, prohibiting both the legal recognition of gender change in documents and any related medical interventions in Russia.

Furthermore, in November 2023, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, acting on a request from the Ministry of Justice, designated a so-called “international LGBT public movement” as an extremist organization and banned its activities. This ruling effectively criminalized any positive actions or symbols associated with LGBTQ+ identity. According to legal experts, any individual displaying LGBTQ+ symbols or openly discussing their sexual orientation can now be prosecuted for “participation in an extremist organization.”

Law Enforcement and Persecution
In Chechnya, actual repressive practices have traditionally outpaced legal innovations. Even before the introduction of new federal bans, the republic’s authorities were already persecuting LGBTQ+ individuals by fabricating criminal cases under unrelated charges—such as drug or weapons possession—in order to imprison the victims. Now, the legal framework (laws on “propaganda” and “extremism”) provides security forces with formal justification for the same actions.

Human rights defenders note that in the North Caucasus, the new bans have changed little in practice: previously, law enforcement had to fabricate alternative charges, but now even that is no longer necessary—finding a rainbow flag or a private conversation with a partner is enough to accuse someone of extremism.

There are no openly LGBTQ+ activists in Chechnya (they have either fled or been forced into hiding), so ordinary residents are now the primary targets. For example, in February 2023, Idris Arsamikov, a Chechen native who had received asylum in the Netherlands after being tortured in 2018, was detained at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport while attempting to leave Russia. He was handed over to Chechen security forces under a fabricated fraud charge, despite previously being tortured in Chechnya due to his sexual orientation.

Such cases illustrate how legal and judicial mechanisms are being weaponized: from politically motivated criminal prosecutions to interregional abductions carried out with the tacit approval of federal authorities.

The “LGBT Propaganda” Law and Other Tools of Repression
The expanded ban on so-called “LGBT propaganda” is now being enforced across the country and serves as a new instrument of pressure. In 2024, Russian courts have actively imposed fines on individuals and organizations for statements or materials interpreted as promoting LGBTQ+ content. In Chechnya, however, this law may be applied differently: unwanted individuals are more likely to be charged directly with extremism.

Experts note that violence against queer individuals has now been effectively legalized—the work of security forces has been made significantly easier, with no further need to plant drugs or weapons. In addition to LGBTQ+ people, human rights defenders are also subject to repression. For example, in July 2023, Zarema Musaeva—the mother of opposition activists—was sentenced by a Chechen court to five years in prison on charges of allegedly assaulting a police officer. It is clear, however, that the true motive was the human rights work of her sons.

Overall, judicial practice in Chechnya in recent years reveals a near-total absence of the rule of law: courts routinely issue guilty verdicts dictated by the authorities—whether for “offending religious feelings,” “discrediting the army,” or under newly introduced “extremist” articles. These laws are applied selectively and serve as instruments of intimidation rather than the protection of rights.

How Has Society Changed?

Public Opinion and Media:
Chechen society continues to exhibit extreme intolerance toward LGBTQ+ issues, fueled by official propaganda and traditionalist rhetoric. Many residents echo the statements of their leaders, claiming that “we don’t have any gays,” and anyone suspected of being LGBTQ+ is regarded as a source of shame for their family and entire teip (clan).

Independent media in the republic have virtually disappeared—local outlets are under government control and promote the same narrative of homosexuality as “immoral” and a threat to religious and national values. Religious leaders reinforce this rhetoric: for example, the Mufti of Chechnya, Salah Mezhiev, publicly threatened Novaya Gazeta journalists with retribution following their reporting on the persecution of gay men, calling them “not human” and promising that they “will be held accountable.”

Overall, LGBTQ+ issues remain completely taboo in Chechnya—they are either not discussed at all or mentioned solely in a negative light as part of an alien, “enemy” ideology.

Persecution and Violence
Since 2022, reports have continued to emerge of abductions, torture, and killings of Chechen residents based on their alleged “non-traditional” sexual orientation. Human rights defenders have documented raids in which Chechen police used fake social media profiles to lure suspected gay men into meetings and then detained them. Detainees were frequently subjected to brutal torture in order to extract the names of other suspected members of the community. A known pattern involves forcing one victim to identify their partner, who is then also detained.

Some detained women and girls suspected of LGBTQ+ affiliations were handed over to their families by security forces—effectively a death sentence, given the ongoing practice of so-called “honor killings.” In July 2023, a shocking attack occurred against journalist Yelena Milashina and lawyer Alexander Nemov, who were violently beaten by unknown assailants in Grozny after arriving to attend the sentencing of Zarema Musaeva. The attackers threatened them with weapons and destroyed their equipment. The investigation into this attack was soon suspended, making it yet another warning to anyone attempting to defend human rights in the region.

The fear of retaliation affects not only LGBTQ+ individuals themselves, but also their families, lawyers, and journalists. The authorities actively foster this climate of terror: Kadyrov and his entourage openly label human rights defenders as “enemies” and equate them with terrorists. In such an environment, residents prefer not to draw attention to the issue, and many victims try to leave the region as quickly as possible.

Emigration and the Challenges of Escape
For those who fall under suspicion or face persecution, fleeing Chechnya often becomes the only viable option. Since the onset of the war, the process of evacuation has become more difficult—but it continues. The crisis group SK SOS and other NGOs assist individuals in going into hiding and leaving the republic. In many cases, evacuation must be arranged urgently—using internal passports to travel to neighboring countries, and from there, continuing onward.

However, individuals from the North Caucasus face discrimination even along this path: Western airlines frequently refuse to board Chechen residents without visas. In addition, the European Union’s resources have been strained by the influx of Ukrainian refugees, which has slowed the processing of humanitarian visas for Russian citizens. While waiting for documentation, individuals may remain in danger in their home country.

A stark example of this risk is the case of brothers Salekh Magamadov and Ismail Isaev, who, while waiting for departure on humanitarian grounds, were abducted and later sentenced before they had the chance to leave Russia.

Support for the Victims and Appeals to Families
Despite the risks, human rights defenders continue their work. According to their reports, requests for emergency assistance from LGBTQ+ individuals across Russia have increased sixfold, and by about one and a half times in the North Caucasus—an indication that such persecution has long become a familiar tragedy in the region. Human rights groups are expanding their areas of support: in addition to helping queer individuals, they now also assist women fleeing “honor killings” and domestic violence.

In the past, some Chechen women even feigned non-heterosexual orientation to receive evacuation assistance (as in the case of Aminat Lorsanova), but it is now clear that in Chechnya, the risks are equally high for a bisexual woman and for one who simply refuses to observe customary codes (adats)—the outcome in either case can be the same.

Activists also appeal directly to families: “Don’t hand over your sons and brothers to the Kadyrov regime—do everything you can to help them leave the region,” they urge. In a context where no independent protection mechanisms exist within Chechnya, such evacuation efforts and family solidarity remain the only chance of survival for those facing persecution.

Investigation into Ramzan Kadyrov’s Family by Proekt
One of the most significant media events was the publication by Proekt of an extensive investigative report and documentary film titled Kadyrov's Vertical: A Biography Written in Blood. The investigation explores the Kadyrov family, their business operations, and the system of repression in Chechnya. It provides a detailed account of the family’s rise to power beginning in the early 2000s, as well as revelations about the elimination of political opponents, corruption schemes, and the personal life of the Chechen leader.

Special attention is given to the Kadyrov family's business empire. The authors claim that federal funds allocated for the reconstruction of Chechnya are funneled into companies affiliated with the head of the republic’s family—such as Izumrud, Benofon, Orbita, and others. These funds are distributed through close associates who control public procurement, construction, trade, and the oil sector.

One of the most shocking episodes in the investigation concerns a harem allegedly established on Kadyrov’s orders. According to Proekt, the harem included underage girls, some of whom gave birth to his children. Members of Kadyrov’s security detail reportedly selected girls based on their appearance and delivered them to the Chechen leader’s residence.

The investigation also examines the involvement of Kadyrov’s inner circle in violent crimes—including the murders of opposition politicians, journalists, and activists. It references potential links to the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, attacks on Memorial staff, and the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in the region.

The authors of the film conducted dozens of interviews and relied on testimony from sources close to the security services, as well as open-source data. The documentary runs approximately two and a half hours and features visualizations, influence maps, and personal testimonies.

Notable Advocacy Cases

The Fashion Show Case
One of the first individuals charged under the new “LGBTQ+ propaganda” law was designer Elnara Askerova from Makhachkala. The accusation stemmed from a fashion show she organized in the spring of 2024, where male models walked the runway in theatrical costumes and makeup.

A local resident filmed the event through a window and posted the video online, sparking a wave of outrage on social media and threats against Elnara and the participants. Shortly thereafter, an administrative case was opened against Askerova, accusing her of “LGBTQ+ propaganda among adults.”

She received legal support from the SK SOS team. Thanks to a strong legal defense, the Makhachkala court ultimately ruled to close the case.

Marina Yandieva
In 2023, SK SOS provided assistance to Marina Yandieva, who faced the threat of being subjected to forced “rehabilitation” by her family in Ingushetia. With the help of the SK SOS team, she managed to escape. Part of her journey was accompanied by Magomed Alamov, a lawyer from the Committee Against Torture. Afterwards, Yandieva’s relatives abducted Alamov, demanding he return Marina and threatening him and his family with violence.

SK SOS filed a complaint with the Russian Federation’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Tatyana Moskalkova, while the Committee Against Torture contacted the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office, demanding protection for Alamov. None of the appeals received a response. Nevertheless, SK SOS succeeded in evacuating Marina Yandieva from Russia. She is now in a safe country.

“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who supported and helped me. I am safe, everything is wonderful, and I’m probably the happiest I’ve ever been,” Marina said after her evacuation. Although the threats against Magomed Alamov ceased, he was forced to resign from his position for safety reasons.

Rizvan Dadaev
In the summer of 2022, a video circulated online showing unknown individuals—presumably security officers—interrogating Rizvan Dadaev and coercing him into confessing to a homosexual relationship. Following the video's publication, Dadaev went missing. Human rights organizations appealed to law enforcement agencies, demanding an investigation, but no inquiry was conducted.

Six months later, SK SOS managed to reestablish contact with Dadaev. He revealed that he had spent over three months detained in a police station in Grozny, where he was subjected to systematic torture. He identified one of his abusers as Deni Aydamirov, a relative of Ramzan Kadyrov who, as of November 2023, holds the position of First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Chechen Republic. According to Dadaev, the police released him after learning of the human rights campaign surrounding his case—it was important to them that the search was called off. SK SOS helped him leave Russia and relocate to a safe country.

“I’m fine, I’m doing well. I’m alive and healthy. My life is now much better than it used to be. Thank you to everyone who worried about me. I’m deeply grateful and will always be thankful to all the people who helped me and continue to help me,” Dadaev said.

The Case of Salman Mukaev: Extradition Refused
In 2020, Salman Mukaev was detained by Chechen security forces on suspicion of homosexuality. While in custody, he was brutally tortured: beaten, bound with tape, suffocated with a plastic bag, and subjected to electric shocks through exposed wires attached to his fingers. Under pressure, Mukaev was forced to confess to a sexual relationship with his friend and sign blank sheets of paper. He was later released in exchange for “cooperation”—he was to meet men online and report them to the police.

With the help of SK SOS, Mukaev managed to leave Russia. However, a criminal case was soon opened against him, and he was placed on a wanted list. As a result, Mukaev was unable to leave Armenia, where he faced the threat of extradition to Russia—a country where his life was in serious danger. Mukaev spent over two years in Armenia awaiting a court decision. In support of Salman, the international movement All Out collected more than 76,000 signatures on a petition demanding his protection.

In 2023, the Administrative Court of Yerevan began reviewing the case. In January 2024, it ruled to deny Russia’s extradition request. The court recognized Mukaev as a refugee, granted him asylum, and acknowledged that LGBTQ+ individuals face danger in Chechnya and that their rights are at risk in Russia due to homophobic legislation. Meanwhile, Russian law enforcement refused to initiate an investigation into Mukaev’s abduction and torture.