China 'gay conversion': Accounts of shocks and pills

Powerful first-hand accounts from people in China who have been subjected to forced "gay conversion therapy" have emerged in a new report.

The country's controversial practice has long been known about, but the Human Rights Watch study offers detailed testimony of a kind rarely shared from China.

"Gay conversion therapy" has been declared unethical, unscientific and harmful by the World Psychiatric Association - and it is effectively illegal in China. 

But the report highlights 17 cases of forced "gay conversion therapy" between 2009 and 2017. The case studies detail verbal and mental abuse, forced medication and electric shock therapy taking place in Chinese hospitals.

According to the advocacy director of the gay rights programme at Human Rights Watch, Boris Dittrich, it is also profitable.

Doctors and clinics can charge up to 30,000 yuan ($4,530; £3,440) to "treat" gay people. The group is urging the Chinese government to ensure an end to such practices.

UCJ, UNILORIN.