Dozens protest alleged 'systemic detention' and murder of gay, bisexual men in Chechnya

Dozens protested thealleged detention and murder of gay and bisexual men in Chechnya in Toronto's Church-Wellesley village on Saturday.

Allegations of severalkillings and up to 100 men being detained in secret prisons in the Russian republic have prompted condemnation from human rights groups and the Canadian government, withMinister of Foreign AffairsChrystia Freelandcalling the reports of violence and discrimination "reprehensible" last week.

• Russia urged to investigate 'horrific' reports of gay men being killed in Chechnya
• Canada calls purported killings of gay men in Chechnya 'reprehensible,' calls for Russia probe

At Saturday's protest beside the 519 community centre onChurch Street, attendees called on the federal government to take action.

"Trudeau: Actions not words," read one sign carried by a protestor.

"We need to honour the Canadian values ofinclusivelyand acceptance and being welcoming to people and make it easier for people who've experienced persecution to claim refuge in safer countries like Canada," saidMartha Singh Jennings, who works for Rainbow Railroad,a Toronto-based charity helpingLGBTpeople escape danger through a global network of safe routes.

Singh Jennings said the protest was meant to show solidarity and highlight the "systemic detention, torture and also murder of gay and bisexual men."

After starting in the village, the protestors moved to the former site of the Russian Embassy at the corner of Bloorand Church Streetsa request from the Russian LGBT Network, anon-governmental organizationwhich aims to protect the rights of LGBT people in Russia.

In a statement released on April 15, Freelandsaid the federal government is committed to combatting discrimination and violence impacting the community around the world.

"Human rights have no borders. Canada believes human rights are universal and indivisible, and these include the human rights of LGBTQ2 people," Freeland'sstatement read.

"We call on the Russian authorities to thoroughly investigate these reports and to immediately ensure the safety of all persons in Chechnya who may be at risk due to their sexual orientation."

As CBC previously reported, aspokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putinhas said the Kremlin does not have confirmed information onviolence targeting the gay community.