The number of hate crimes against LGBT people in Russia has doubled in five years, according to new research.
The Center for Independent Social Research found that the number of sentences for crimes against LGBT people increased to 65 in 2015 from 18 in 2010. Murders accounted for almost 200 out of 250 crimes analysed, it was found.
The centre attributed the rise to Russia’s 2013 ban on the spreading of “propaganda for non-traditional sexual relations” to minors. The law has been used to stop gay pride marches and detain gay rights activists.
Homosexuality was a criminal offence in Russia until 1993 and classed as a mental illness until 1999. Researchers said the figures are an underestimate as many hate crimes are not reported or prosecuted.
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