PACE refused to exclude Kutayev* from the opposition platform at PACE.
Chechen political scientist Ruslan Kutayev* retained his seat on the Russian Opposition Platform at PACE after making controversial statements about LGBT** honor killings in the Caucasus.
As reported by the Caucasian Knot, Ruslan Kutayev** commented on the situation with LGBT* people in the Caucasus in interviews with several publications. He stated that he is insulted by people from the Caucasus who openly declare their affiliation with the LGBT* community. He called them outcasts and perverts. He also spoke out about "honor killings" in Chechnya, saying he "does not support" them, but clarified that such decisions are made within the family.
On April 29, a group of journalists, lawyers, activists, and representatives of human rights organizations sent a joint appeal to PACE demanding that it evaluate Kutayev's statements* and consider disqualifying him from the platform. PACE President Petra Bayr suspended Kutayev from the platform, but noted that the final decision would rest with the Assembly's Bureau.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe declined to strip Chechen political scientist Ruslan Kutayev of his membership in the PACE Platform for Dialogue with Russian Democratic Forces. This decision is contained in a resolution published on May 27.
The text of the resolution notes that members of the Russian Opposition Platform will discuss the behavior of their members and sign a declaration declaring their respect for diversity and equality.
"On this basis, it has been decided not to change the current composition of the platform at this stage," the resolution states.
Women whose behavior their relatives consider a disgrace to their family may become victims of "honor killings" in the Caucasus. These murders are committed by relatives themselves, most often a father or brother, according to the "Caucasian Knot" report "Honor Killings" in the North Caucasus".
A gay man from Chechnya who fled the country spoke to the "Caucasian Knot" about how people of non-traditional sexual orientation live in Chechnya, and what fates have unfolded for some of them since the mass roundups began. "If They Kill You, If Not Your Own, Then Strangers": A Gay Man on Life in Chechnya and Fleeing Russia".