Russia: Putin arrives in Amsterdam, faces gay rights protests
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 8 April 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Putin arrives in Amsterdam, faces gay rights protests, 8 April 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/519a6b5218.html [accessed 21 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 08, 2013
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam on April 8.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Amsterdam from Germany, where he held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Speaking earlier at a joint news conference with Merkel in Hannover, Putin defended a recent wave of investigations into Russia's nongovernmental organizations.
The Russian president said his country has a right to monitor the funding received by its NGOs from abroad.
He said NGOs in Russia have received almost $1 billion in the first months of this year.
In Amsterdam, Putin faces a planned major protest against Russia's gay rights policies.
In January, Russian lawmakers approved a bill that makes gay public events and the dissemination of information about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community to minors punishable by fines of up to $16,000.
It still requires final approval by parliament.
Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
