Russian police detain LGBT activists on military holiday
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 August 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian police detain LGBT activists on military holiday, 2 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55ee964d2b.html [accessed 6 June 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. |
August 02, 2015
Several gay rights activists have been detained by police in St. Petersburg while trying to hold demonstrations on a Russian military holiday.
Police detained Yury Gavrikov, leader of an LGBT rights group, as he left his home to stage a one-man picket on August 2 in front of the Hermitage Museum on Paratroopers Day, when Russian airborne-forces veterans traditionally roam through public parks in their signature berets and striped T-shirts.
Police accused Gavrikov of cursing in public, a charge he denied. He was held at a police station while awaiting a court hearing.
Veterans of Russia's airborne forces confronted several other LGBT activists staging individual pickets near the museum, tearing up their posters and pulling rainbow-colored flags from their hands.
The activists were quickly taken away by police.
Russia has faced harsh criticism for its record on gay rights, including a vaguely worded law banning "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" to minors.
Based on reporting by AP and Fontanka.ru
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
