UPDATED Bridge over troubled water
UPDATE 12th April, about the murders.
With these words by Simon & Garfunkel's classic let's talk about hatred. Blind, populist and religion driven hate. Mindless violence. Kidnappings. Beatings. Mutilations. Murders. Last few days have brought yet again these painful words into our daily rhetoric because 100+ men have been arrested unlawfully, at least 3 killed, in Chechnya.
Many bears in Europe have asked us if situation is true. Some wonder how to help or support those affected.
Since end of March, when reports started to come, it has been proven by officials to be true. According to Novaya Gazeta, virtually no one in Chechnya and Severnyi Kavkaz (Northern Kavkaz territory) is safe. There have been many men kidnapped - officials, members of administration, well known personalities, TV-presenters, even religous people.
One story goes that a boy, 16, was simply dropped in front of his own home after being beaten into pulp of bones and meat with a note attached, to his parents "you can finish him!".
Photo update above: April 12th
Hasu Tepsurkaev, well known Sufi preacher and gay, killed during another raid in Gudermes, Chechnya. We received this screenshot from personal connections, for obvious reasons we cannot disclose names but we can trust the source, directly from Chechen's neighbouring Dagestan Republic. Sufism is widespread in the region [linked article in russian], just like elsewhere in islamic world. The fact that muslims in high positions are not spared from being hunted and killed speaks volumes about seriousness of the situation.
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel
Moscow-based LGBT activists have started to evacuate those who fear for their life from the area. If anyone feels need to help or contribute some way or another we think it is right to share this address of Russian LGBT network - info@lgbtnet.org - write and ask how you can help.
Mission of Tallinn Bearty is to power bear brotherhood in a way that will advance equal rights for everyone, in or out of our own community.