(Photo: minorityaze.org)
Queer people in Azerbaijan frequently face hatred, violence, and isolation. Below is the story of one gay man who for years hid who he was from those closest to him, faced violence and rape during his military service, and despite fleeing to Europe, still faces death threats from his family because of his sexuality. [Read more…]
Protesters at Nasimi district 21st police station. (Nurlan Libre/Facebook)
Around 20 people marched through Baku’s Winter Park on Monday demanding the release of opposition politician Azad Hasanov and others widely considered by rights groups to be political prisoners. The protest was dispersed by the police and 13 of the marchers were detained.
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‘Let's protect Dighomi Park’ — a sign at the protest camp. (Georgian Young Greens)
Opposition to the construction of a recreational complex in Dighomi Forest Park escalated last weekend, as activists and local residents staged an overnight protest. [Read more…]
Oyub Titiyev (Dima Borko)
A court in the Russian Republic of Chechnya has granted parole to Oyub Titiyev, the head of the Chechen branch of Russian rights group Memorial. [Read more…]
Gyumri Mental Health Centre (Armine Avetisyan / OC Media)
A recent report by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia suggested that instead of receiving the help they need, patients with psychiatric illnesses were often met with poor conditions and human rights violations in Armenia’s psychiatric institutions. [Read more…]
Sanubar and her daughter. (Gulnur Kazimova / OC Media)
Despite tightening laws against early marriages in Georgia, among the country’s ethnic Azerbaijani population, they remain common. The results of such marriages are often tragic, with young girls leaving education, becoming victims of domestic violence, or in some cases, dying. [Read more…]
Sevinj Vagifgizi (Facebook)
A woman in Azerbaijan is suing a journalist for filming her appearing to commit election fraud during last year’s presidential election. [Read more…]
‘I’m proud that I have come so far being who I am and didn’t give in’, Drago says. (Tamuna Chkareuli / OC Media)
Despite widespread homophobic attitudes throughout the Caucasus, there are some queer people who find acceptance for who they are — from their co-workers, their friends, and their families. Below are the stories of three queer people, from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. [Read more…]
Vitali Safarov (Facebook)
The key witness in the trial over the murder of Vitali Safarov in Tbilisi has testified that Safarov was killed because he was Jewish. [Read more…]
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on 17 May 2017 in Tbilisi (Mari Nikuradze/OC Media)
An advertising company that owns public ad spaces in central Tbilisi has refused to display anti-homophobia messages despite signing a contract with Georgian queer rights group the Equality Movement to do so, according to the group. [Read more…]
