01/07/2020
Harrowing, but essential if you want to understand that persecution of LGBTQ people and other minorities in the democratically challenged Russian state. That’s the verdict of many viewers on the documentary “Purge” which is broadcast tonight, Wednesday 1st July, by BBC Four Television (Channel 9 Freeview, plus Sky, Virgin, Cable and Freesat providers). The programme focusses on the brutal police state operated in the semi-autonomous region of Chechnya, a government within the state pursuing many minorities with cruelty and internationally condemned punishments, including state sponsored executions. The activities of the Chechen warlord government mirrors the atrocities committed during the Bosnia conflict and even the Second World War. It amounts to nothing short of an attempted genocide against all who resist the majority culture. Tune in at ten pm for a piece of brave but needed documentary making.