The Eurasian Coalition on Male Health Condemns Violent Attack on Kyrgyz LGBTIQ Organization

The Eurasian Coalition on Male Health (ECOM) vociferously condemns the recent attack on the LGBTIQ organization “Labrys” in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  On the night of April 3, 2015, unknown assailants threw three bottles containing explosives into the yard of the organization’s offices, causing open fires.

Fortunately, no one was harmed in the attack and Labrys’ offices avoided any major damage.  However, this is not the first attack directed at the organization.  In the past, Labrys has had stones thrown at its office, while its activists have been threatened with physical violence numerous times.

The Kyrgyz Parliament is currently debating a draft law, similar to the one enacted in Russia, which would ban the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.”  According to Labrys, threats and attacks against LGBTIQ communities and human rights activists have increased steadily since the proposed legislative bill was introduced.

“In February, 2015, ECOM sent letters to the President and Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic, asking to reject the proposed bill. We warned that the bill might "increase incidents of violence, abuse and discrimination against these citizens".  Unfortunately, acts, such as the one directed at Labrys, confirmed our concerns before the bill was even approved,” commented Vitaly Djuma, ECOM’s Executive Director.

ECOM calls upon the Kyrgyz government to uphold its international human rights obligations and to ensure the rights and freedoms of all citizens guaranteed by the Kyrgyz Constitution.  The Kyrgyz Parliament must recognize the discriminatory nature of the proposed law and the deleterious effects it has on Kyrgyz society and table the bill.  In addition, the relevant Kyrgyz authorities must diligently investigate this attack, prosecute the guilty parties, and strive to prevent future incidents.

ECOM is a network of organizations and activists working in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.  We aim to create favorable conditions to ensure that men who have sexual relations with other men and transgender people have access to services in the field of sexual and reproductive health, in particular to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support, based on respect for human rights.