We learned in the last few hours of the arrest of a fourth accomplice in connection with the robberies of 11 young gay men contacted through a popular chat room.
In the cases we followed, the violent act was often accompanied by homophobic insults and the threat of revealing the victim's sexual orientation or the dissemination of compromising images exchanged via chat rooms.
In recent days we have been receiving further reports of similar incidents in other cities as well.
We therefore invite victims to contact us for support in reporting the incident at Gay Help Line – 800 713 713.
We thank the’ OSCAD (Observatory of the Ministry of the Interior against Discriminatory Acts) law enforcement for the work done, the Vellettri Prosecutor's Office and the Carabinieri of Castel Gandolfo who are continuing their investigations to verify the responsibility of the suspects in other incidents.
Alessandra Rossi, Gay Help Line Coordinator, and Alessandro Cataldi, Head of Legal Affairs, Gay Help Line
