Putin to demand support for probe into reported abuse of homosexuals

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he will ask governmental bodies to support an investigation into the alleged persecution of homosexuals in the country.

According to a Kremlin transcript, Putin made the remarks when meeting with Russia's Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova, who asked him to order the establishment of an inter-departmental working group "to accept public appeals, if any" on the issue.

"I will talk with the Prosecutor General and the Minister of the Interior so that they support you on the topic you raised ... I hope colleagues will respond and support you," Putin said.

Last month, the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported that authorities of the Chechen Republic in North Caucasus detained and tortured homosexuals. But local officials have repeatedly denied the report.

Earlier this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked Putin to ensure the rights of homosexuals during their meeting at the Russian resort city of Sochi. Endi