LGBTQ people are often convenient scapegoats for leaders to rally support from conservative parts of their societies to deflect from corruption or abuse.
RWF is working with the Russian LGBT Network to help these men. The Network has carried out successful rescue operations and evacuated many men from Chechnya to other parts of Russia. There are at least 40 gay men hiding in Russia trying to flee the country. Staying in any part of Russia is unsafe for them due to the continued threat of family "honor killings". The Network has set up a hotline and they are receiving more request for help from Chechnya.