A teenager fled for his life after being set ablaze in a homophobic attack by his own parents after they found out he was gay.

The incident happened in Azerbaijan and reportedly came after the 18-year-old, known only as Malik, had been blackmailed on social media.

His mother and father were sent a photo of him at a gay rights march and subsequently launched a shocking attack on their son.

A friend recounted what happened, saying Malik was set alight with gasoline and kicked and punched by the furious parents.

He has been forced to go into hiding since the incident, reported Gay Star News. The teenager is also said to be trapped in Azerbaijan after his passport and clothes were snatched by relatives.

Being homosexual in Azerbaijan is not illegal, but it is deeply frowned upon in the culture. A high-profile gay rights activist hanged himself with a rainbow flag after complaining about homophobia, earlier this year.

(www.ibtimes.co.uk)

Bakudaily.Az