24 Apr Front Line Defenders: Macedonia – Threats and violent attack against LGBTI rights defenders
On 20 April 2013, human rights defenders from the Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People ‘LGBT United’ and the Coalition for Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities were attacked by seven unknown persons in the city of Bitola, while putting up posters advocating for the human rights of LGBTI people and marching peacefully carrying a rainbow flag.
The attack took place in front of the Diamond Hostel, around the corner from Sirok Sokak, in Bitola, down which the human rights defenders had just walked. They were first set upon by four unknown persons, who were later joined by three more. The human rights defenders were insulted, spat on and hit in the face and head. Their posters were taken, and when one of the human rights defenders took his phone to call for help, the phone was also taken and he was told he would be killed. The attack was reported to the police.
Since the attack took place, insulting messages and threats, including death threats, have been posted on LGBT United’s facebook page, specifically directed at the LGBT United’s members who were attacked in Bitola. The threatening messages included the following: “if you are stupid enough to come to Bitola again … be sure that you will end up in a hospital with your bones broken, and some might end up in a graveyard”, “Kill and slaughter a fag” and “you deserve to die”. On 22 April 2013, photos portraying members of the LGBT United were posted on the facebook page of the Macedonian Sports Fans group, along with further threatening messages.
Front Line Defenders expresses its concern at the attack and threats directed against LGBT United and the Coalition for Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities. In light of the fact that their photos have been circulated along with threatening messages, Front Line Defenders is deeply concerned for the safety of human rights defenders affiliated with these organisations.
Front Line Defenders urges the Macedonian authorities to:
1. Carry out an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation into the attack and death threats issued against human rights defenders affiliated with LGBT United and the Coalition for Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities.
2. Take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity and security of members of LGBT United and the Coalition for Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities.
3. Condemn the attack and threats against LGBTI rights defenders, and publicly recognise the important role they play for the full enjoyment by everyone of their universally recognised human rights
4. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Macedonia are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions.