Cannes Film Festival jury protest gay/bi persecution in Chechnya

Members of the jury at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival have taken a visible stand against reports of violence towards gay and bi men in Chechnya.

The jury of six arrived at the annual event, bearing signs adorned with pink triangles and slogans like ‘No More’ and ‘Silence = Death’ on the red carpet.

The six judges were arriving to assess the film 120 Beats Per Minute, a story which explores LGBTIQ activism in ’90s Paris with a focus on ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Here in Australia, activists are calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to take action on the news of persecution in Chechnya. Greens Senator Janet Rice has called on the PM to allow those being targeted to come to Australia as refugees.

“I moved a Motion calling on the Australian government to do more in response to the persecution of gay and bi men in Chechnya. The government blocked a vote on this Motion,” Senator Rice said at a vigil last week.

“It is especially important that the Australian government comes out to say it is prepared to take Chechen gay and bi refugees.”

OIP Staff