As Russia cracks down on gay expression and fears of homophobic attacks rise, gay Russians may increasingly seek safe haven in Canada, according to a refugee lawyer.

Robert Hughes says he’s had two clients in the past few months who have claimed refugee status in Canada after fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation.

“What has been unusual for me is to see gay Russians contacting me before they come to Canada. They’re afraid of staying in Russia,” he said.

One client, Andrey Samstov, was arrested after he unfurled a rainbow flag in a pride parade in Moscow in 2011.

“It was terrifying, yes. He was warned that before he was released if he was involved in another pride rally he could face a year in jail.”

Another client, Maxim Zhuralev, was beaten up by homophobic thugs after he came out to a friend.

“It’s not just my experience,” said Zhuralev. “You can’t tell anybody that you’re gay in Russia and feel safe.”

Zhuralev says the strict anti-gay laws signed by President Vladimir Putin empower people to attack gays, and victims can expect little support from the police.

The laws criminalize expressing pro-gay views around children, and forbid pride parades. People charged can be fined or jailed.

The coming Sochi Olympics have trained the spotlight on the anti-gay rules, with Foreign Minister John Baird calling the laws “hateful.”

The International Olympic Committee has struggled to get clarity from Russia on just what these laws would mean for gay athletes participating in the 2014 games.

Online petitions have called for the games to return to Vancouver, though local officials have said it’s not practical.

Zhuralev says he wouldn’t return to Russia, and says any gay athlete should be afraid to go.

“I would say, ‘Don’t risk it!’” he said.

Zhuralev’s future is not guaranteed in Canada – the Russian must gather his documents in time for his refugee hearing, which happens after a very short deadline, his lawyer said.

But Zhuralev says he’s already found Vancouver to be accepting as he waits in a homeless shelter for a work permit to be approved.

“In a homeless shelter I feel safer than a Russian luxury apartment,” he said.