Mixed weekend for LGBT marches
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 18 May 2009 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Mixed weekend for LGBT marches, 18 May 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4a165cf18.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A colourful collection of LGBT rights activists, joined by Amnesty International members from across Europe, carried rainbow flags and banners at the inaugural Baltic Pride event in Riga.
The march had initially been banned after opposition from local councillors but Riga's Municipal Court overturned the ban the day before the event. The march attracted a group of noisy counter-demonstrators but the event remained peaceful.
"We're proud to be marching with you here today. It's a march and a celebration," Amnesty International's John Dalhuisen told the crowd.
"This march must go on beyond this one day. Amnesty International will be marching with you towards the full enjoyment of your rights. Now let's celebrate!"
The mood was very different in Moscow as police violently dispersed demonstrators at the Slavic Pride march, which had been banned by the authorities.
Media reports suggest that between 25 and 80 activists were arrested as they protested against discrimination of LGBT people. Riot police charged the group and several people were detained.
"The police brutality that we witnessed is shocking," said organiser Nikolai Alekseev.
"We planned a peaceful march to highlight the dire state of LGBT rights in Russia today. The police, given violent legitimacy by the openly homophobic Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, did not hold back with their weapons, despite the world's media watching."
There were also tumultuous scenes in Krakow, Poland as counter-demonstrators protesting against an LGBT rights march in the city clashed with police. One person was reported to have been injured and 20 were arrested in the clashes, which did not affect a peaceful LGBT march in the city centre.
Municipal authorities in Mykolayiv City, Ukraine, banned LGBT groups from holding public events as part of a "Rainbow spring 2009" festival for the second year running. The organizers had planned to mark International Day Against Homophobia on Sunday.
Read More
Read Amnesty International's blog about the events in Riga on Friday - livewire.amnesty.orgSee more pictures from Baltic Pride
Baltic Pride march gets green light in Latvia (News, 15 May 2009)
Baltic Pride march in Latvia under threat (News, 13 May 2009)
Gay rights face old threats in new Europe (News, 5 June 2008)
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