Head of Belarusian Red Cross caught making homophobic statements

Belarusian human rights activists have appealed to the leadership of the Red Cross after the statements of the head of the Belarusian branch. On state TV, Dzmitry Shautsou called homosexuality a "disease" and said it "must be treated."

"Realizing the incompatibility of the behavior of the Secretary General of the organization with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, the experts of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the Belarusian Foundation for Medical Solidarity sent letters to various institutions of the Red Cross," said the Belarusian Helsinki Committee.

There have been a lot of scandals associated with the Belarusian Red Cross, as it is firmly associated with the authorities. For example, the organization nominated members of election commissions and observers, although it is "outside of politics." Despite numerous complaints, the leadership of the International Red Cross took no action.