Kyrgyzstan faulted for human rights abuse

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- A human rights group Monday called for the Kyrgyz government to protect lesbians, bisexual women and transgender men from violence.

"It is time for the government to protect these communities instead of denying they exist," said a 49-page report from Human Rights Watch, which accused authorities in Kyrgyzstan of ignoring beatings, forced marriages, rape and psychological violence, both in family settings and from strangers on the street.

The report calls for European institutions, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to do more to prevent violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"No one should have to confront brutality or danger because of who they are or whom they love," said Boris Dittrich, a spokesman for Human Rights Watch.