Sting Dates and the Dangers of Dating Apps
In Dagestan, the persecution of LGBTQ+ people continues to intensify, including false accusations and violence, especially in recent months. Several LGBTQ+ individuals have faced threats and physical assaults. One of the most striking cases involved the arrest of LGBTQ+ community members based on fabricated charges and false witnesses. In some instances, law enforcement orchestrated fake dates by luring victims into conversations with individuals who later testified against them. These encounters led to criminal charges and, in some cases, attacks by local residents.
According to the human rights organization Sphere, in April 2024, several LGBTQ+ activists in Dagestan were subjected to abuse and threats from locals. One survivor reported being detained and then assaulted, later discovering that the accusations against him were based on testimony from fake witnesses connected to local gangs.
Human rights defenders have pointed out that, despite efforts by some activists, victims are often not taken seriously by law enforcement, and local authorities fail to respond to incidents of violence. In one case in May 2024, a mass assault on LGBTQ+ individuals occurred in a Dagestani city. Several people were detained on false charges of “promoting non-traditional sexual relations” and were released only after signing confessions, despite the lack of any evidence.
Local authorities continue to ignore threats and persecution, and human rights groups warn that this fuels a climate of fear and impunity in the region. Several instances of violence and threats have been documented in recent months. Activists also note that lawyers and human rights defenders are often denied access to victims, making it nearly impossible to defend their rights and freedoms.
In response, activists and human rights organizations continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights by organizing protests and drawing attention to the ongoing violence and persecution in Dagestan. Despite the repression, the movement remains active and committed to achieving legislative change.
According to the human rights organization Sphere, in April 2024, several LGBTQ+ activists in Dagestan were subjected to abuse and threats from locals. One survivor reported being detained and then assaulted, later discovering that the accusations against him were based on testimony from fake witnesses connected to local gangs.
Human rights defenders have pointed out that, despite efforts by some activists, victims are often not taken seriously by law enforcement, and local authorities fail to respond to incidents of violence. In one case in May 2024, a mass assault on LGBTQ+ individuals occurred in a Dagestani city. Several people were detained on false charges of “promoting non-traditional sexual relations” and were released only after signing confessions, despite the lack of any evidence.
Local authorities continue to ignore threats and persecution, and human rights groups warn that this fuels a climate of fear and impunity in the region. Several instances of violence and threats have been documented in recent months. Activists also note that lawyers and human rights defenders are often denied access to victims, making it nearly impossible to defend their rights and freedoms.
In response, activists and human rights organizations continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights by organizing protests and drawing attention to the ongoing violence and persecution in Dagestan. Despite the repression, the movement remains active and committed to achieving legislative change.