On May 19, 2017, 28 young men were arrested by security forces in Bangladesh while attending a regular social event known to be frequented by members of the LGBTI community. Police officers physically and verbally assaulted many of those present, and forced all of them to stand in a line. Officers then proceeded to 'inspect' them and arrested those they suspected of being gay, based on their clothing and mannerisms.
The men were then taken to a local police station where they were charged with drug possession, which can carry a penalty of life imprisonment or even death. Torture and other ill-treatment are rife in detention in Bangladesh. Amnesty International is extremely concerned about the well-being of those arrested.
'Homosexuality' is a criminal offence in Bangladesh which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Harassment of LGBTI people by security forces is common in Bangladesh. The situation for members of the LGBTI community in Bangladesh has deteriorated significantly since April 2016 when two prominent LGBTI activists, Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Tonoy, were attacked and killed with machetes by the armed group Ansar al-Islam.
Call on authorities to ensure that the men are protected from torture, and have immediate access to lawyers, their families and medical care. Please further urge authorities to end all harassment of members of the LGBTI community and to repeal all laws which criminalize same-sex sexual conduct.
Dear Inspector,
On May 19, 2017, 28 young men were arrested by security forces in Bangladesh while attending a regular social event known to be frequented by members of the LGBTI community. Police officers physically and verbally assaulted many of those present, and forced all of them to stand in a line. Officers then proceeded to 'inspect' them and arrested those they suspected of being gay, based on their clothing and mannerisms.
The men were then taken to a local police station where they were charged with drug possession, which can carry a penalty of life imprisonment or even death. Torture and other ill-treatment are rife in detention in Bangladesh. Amnesty International is extremely concerned about the well-being of those arrested.
'Homosexuality' is a criminal offence in Bangladesh which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Harassment of LGBTI people by security forces is common in Bangladesh. The situation for members of the LGBTI community in Bangladesh has deteriorated significantly since April 2016 when two prominent LGBTI activists, Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Tonoy, were attacked and killed with machetes by the armed group Ansar al-Islam.
I urge you to ensure that the men are protected from torture, and have immediate access to lawyers, their families and medical care. Please further take all necessary action to end all harassment of members of the LGBTI community and to repeal all laws which criminalize same-sex sexual conduct.
[Your comments here]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
