Russian attackers upload video of violent attack on trans woman by five men
A video has been posted by anti-LGBT activists in Russia of five men brutally beating a trans woman in broad daylight, in a public park.
The video, posted on popular Russian social networking site VK, appeared on a page titled Straights for Equality, a group advocating for LGBT rights. The intention was to highlight the persecution of LGBT people in Russia.
In the video, five men kick the woman in the head and body, and throw her around the park, whilst one of them films the attack. They also remove some of her clothes, and tear her underwear before she runs off.
The title of the video refers to the trans woman as a “homosexual”, and it also says “view from 16 years old.” It is unclear how old the victim in the video is, and its origin.
The video is available to view at Straights for Equality’s VK page. Please be aware the video contains violent images some may find disturbing.
The safety of LGBT people in Russia has been drawn into question following the passage of several anti-gay laws in June.
President Vladimir Putin signed the law in June banning the promotion of “non-traditional relationships” toward minors, a move that has been criticised as part of a broader crackdown on Russia’s gay community. Other laws banning the adoption of Russian children by foreign same-sex couples, and one which enables organisations receiving funding from abroad to be fined as “foreign agents”, were also passed.
The laws have so far sparked controversy among LGBT activists, with some calling for a boycott of the 2014 Games. Others have also called to boycott Russian vodka as a form of protest.
