UN condemns LGBT crackdowns in Egypt, Azerbaijan and Indonesia

The UN's human rights office calls on governments to end LGBT crackdowns and release individuals detained for consensual same-sex relations.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

14 October, 2017

Crackdowns on LGBT individuals appear to have intensified in recent months [Getty]

The United Nations has condemned anti-gay crackdowns in Egypt, Azerbaijan and Indonesia, following recent arrests of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.

"Arresting or detaining people based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is by definition arbitrary and violates international law," UN human rights spokesperson Rupert Colville told a reporters on Friday.

Coleville's statement came directly in response to the arrests of more than 50 people in a police sting on a sauna in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.

Indonesian authorities also charged four men and one woman under the country's pornography law, which is a vague staute often used against homosexuals.

Earlier this year, Indonesian police raided a Jakarta gay club and arrested over 100 men under the same statute.

The UN spokesperson highlighted that Egypt has recently engaged in similar crackdowns, with over 50 people having been arrested in the Egyptian police force's latest sweep.

At a recent concert in Cairo, two people were also arrested for waving rainbow flags which represent LGBT communities.

While many await trial for their alleged crimes, it is known that at least ten men have been sentenced to up to six years in prison.

"In some cases, individuals were reportedly arrested after being entrapped by law enforcement officials on apps and in internet chat rooms," Colville said.

Aurthorities in Azerbaijan, meanwhile, have arrested at least 80 LGBT people since mid-september.

"In all three countries, authorities have alleged that those arrested were involved in sex work," Mr Colville said.

"In almost all cases the accused have denied such allegations or indicated that they were coerced into confessing involvement."

Colville called upon authorities in each country to release individuals arrested under vague laws designed to target those who engage in consensual same-sex relations.