In 2020, Salman was detained by Chechen security forces on false suspicions of homosexuality. While in custody, he endured brutal torture: he was beaten, bound with tape, suffocated with a plastic bag, and electrocuted by having live wires attached to his pinky fingers.

Under pressure, Salman was forced to confess to a sexual relationship with a friend. He was then released on the condition of “cooperation,” threatened with a fabricated case of illegal weapon possession if he refused. He was also coerced into signing blank sheets of paper.

As part of the security forces’ assignment, Salman was supposed to meet men on websites and lure them to an apartment monitored by the authorities. Salman refused to comply and fled Chechnya, which led to a criminal case being opened against him.

In 2020, Salman fled to Armenia, where he was unable to leave for another country for several years due to being wanted by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. He faced the threat of extradition to Russia. Additionally, Russian law enforcement refused to investigate Salman’s complaints of kidnapping and torture.

However, on January 30, 2024, Armenia denied Russia’s extradition request. The court granted Salman refugee status and asylum, recognizing the danger LGBTQ+ people face in Chechnya and the potential for rights violations in Russia due to anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Salman is now safe.

We assisted Salman with his evacuation and ensured his safety, and we continue to provide him with comprehensive support.