LGBT activists said Monday that at least two people have died and about 40 people have been detained in what has been described as a new crackdown on gay people in the Russian republic of Chechnya.

The men are among 31 the government has given permission to come to Canada in a clandestine effort that began after reports of torture and persecution of gay men in the Russian republic

“These are individuals who are displaced, have just come through a traumatic situation and don’t know where to turn to next."