BAGHDAD , Iraq ( CNN ) -- Hundreds of gay men have been tortured and killed in Iraq in recent months , some by the nation 's security forces , Human Rights Watch said Monday . Iraqi clerics say homosexuality must be eradicated but warn against anti-gay violence . Interviews with doctors indicate hundreds of men had been killed , but the exact number was unclear because of the stigma associated with homosexuality in Iraq , the New York-based watchdog group said in its report . `` Iraq 's leaders are supposed to defend all Iraqis , not abandon them to armed agents of hate , '' said Scott Long , director of the Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch . `` Turning a blind eye to torture and murder threatens the rights and life of every Iraqi . '' Four victims who spoke to CNN gave accounts of the attacks , which they say have intensified in the past few months . `` In 2004 , militias and unknown groups started to go after the gays ... but the peak was six months ago , '' said Qaisar , who uses a pseudonym for fear of reprisal . `` It has become wide scale war against gays in Iraq . '' Iraqi officials acknowledged that the nation 's culture stigmatizes homosexuality , but said the government does not condone such attacks . Authorities are unable to provide homosexuals with special protection , said government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh . According to Human Rights Watch , which is urging a government crackdown , attackers target people on the streets or storm homes , where they conduct interrogations and demand names of suspected gay men . Many end up in hospitals and morgues , the organization said , basing its conclusion on reports from doctors . Men have been threatened with `` honor killings '' by relatives worried that their `` unmanly behavior '' will ruin the family 's reputation , Human Rights Watch said . Watch Iraqi men discuss attacks » . Killings , kidnappings and torture of those suspected of homosexual conduct have intensified in areas such as the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City , the watchdog said . `` The Shiite people started this war and especially what happened in Sadr City , '' Qaisar said , adding that his sister-in-law had warned him against going to the area . Muqtada al-Sadr 's Mahdi Army militia , which is active in Sadr City , has joined in the attacks and defends its actions as a way to stop the `` feminization '' of Iraqi men , the report said . `` We have testimony that indicates that the nation 's security forces are taking part in the attacks , '' Long said . The group interviewed more than 50 people who gave accounts of abuses , beatings and stops at security checkpoints , he said . `` When the gay killings started and when they started go ( ing ) after them at checkpoints ... we started to change our look , '' said Basim , who also used a pseudonym . `` These killings point to the continuing and lethal failure of Iraq 's post-occupation authorities to establish the rule of law and protect their citizens , '' said Rasha Moumneh , Middle East researcher for Human Rights Watch . A provision from the Saddam Hussein era endorses crimes committed `` with honorable motives , '' according to the organization . The government spokesman said the provision was popular during the Saddam era , but is not used today . He added that there is a push to educate police about human rights . Attacks against civilians , including homosexuals , are not allowed , al-Dabbagh said .
Human Rights Watch says people are targeted on the streets and interrogated . Group : Killings , kidnappings and torture of suspected homosexuals are escalating . Comment: