Nikki Haley Says Gay Lives in Chechnya Matter

Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley says the United States won't ignore reports of the persecution of gay men in the Russian republic of Chechnya.

In a statement Monday, Haley said America is "disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and those persecuted by association."

"If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored," Haley declared, calling Chechen authorities to "immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses."

"We are against all forms of discrimination, including against people based on sexual orientation. When left unchecked, discrimination and human rights abuses can lead to destabilization and conflict," she said.

Police in Chechnya have reportedly detained more than 100 people suspected of being gay in the predominantly Muslim region governed by Ramzan Kadyrov, who's reportedly close with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Officials maintain there's no LGBT population there.

"You can’t detain and repress people who simply don’t exist in the republic," spokesman Alvi Karimov declared.

Haley said the United States on Tuesday will "lead the first-ever meeting on human rights in international conflicts in the U.N. Security Council."

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