Report: Russian gay-rights activist granted Spanish asylum
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 26 April 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Report: Russian gay-rights activist granted Spanish asylum, 26 April 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/519a6ba115.html [accessed 31 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. |
April 26, 2013
The rally on Bolotnaya Square in May 2012 was violently dispersed by police. (file photo)
Prominent Russian gay rights activist Aleksei Kiselyov has reportedly been granted political asylum in Spain.
A fellow gay rights activist based in Moscow, Nikolai Alekseyev, said that Spain gave Kiselyov asylum and a five-year permanent resident permit.
Kiselyov participated in a protest against the reelection of President Vladimir Putin on Moscow's Bolotnaya Square in May 2012 that was violently dispersed by police.
Several activists who took part in the protest have been charged with organizing mass disorders.
Kiselyov told the group GayRussia on April 26 that he would return to Russia "only after Putin's dictatorship regime is gone."
Kiselyov also said Spain's decision shows it understood "the political nature of the events on Bolotnaya Square."
He is believed to be the first Russian activist to receive political asylum abroad in connection with the protest.
Based on reporting by gayrussia.ru and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
