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Campaigner arrested in Russia - 5/16/2009 12:49:52 PM

stella41b

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Campaigner arrested in Russia

The Foreign Office is investigating reports that human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has been arrested at a gay pride march in Russia.

Police dispersed the Slavic Gay Pride event, which was banned by authorities in Moscow, and about 20 activists were taken away.

A spokeswoman for the FO said: "We can confirm that Peter Tatchell has been arrested in Moscow while taking part in a gay pride rally.

"We are in contact with him and are requesting consular access."

The rally came ahead of the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow.

Campaigners gathered near a university in south-western Moscow to protest against discrimination against gays and lesbians in Russia.

The group, including Mr Tatchell, 57, waved flags and chanted slogans including "homophobia is a disgrace of this country" and "we are demanding equal rights".

source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090516/tuk-campaigner-arrested-in-russia-dba1618.html

< Message edited by stella41b -- 5/16/2009 12:50:25 PM >

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RE: Campaigner arrested in Russia - 5/16/2009 2:53:46 PM

JonnieBoy

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Peter Tatchell has now been released,after an astonishingly short time by Russian standards given their attitudes.

I wonder if this might be because they have realised the sort of profile news they can avoid by NOT holding him and am watching out to see if they have imposed any conditions (such as not letting him remain and censoring his words etc etc)

Any observations as to what is happening to the rest of the campaigners who were lifted?

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RE: Campaigner arrested in Russia - 5/16/2009 6:08:49 PM

Vendaval

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More about the events at the march in Moscow.

"Moscow police detain scores at gay pride rally'

By DAVID NOWAK, – Sat May 16, 11:54 am ET

"MOSCOW – Riot police broke up several gay rights demonstrations in Moscow on Saturday, hauling away scores of protesters hours before the capital hosted a major international pop music competition.

No injuries were reported, but the detentions could damage Russia's desire to be seen as a modern nation as it holds the finals of the Eurovision song contest, a cultural event televised around the world.

City officials had warned that they would not tolerate marches or rallies supporting the rights of gays and lesbians, but activists had targeted Moscow and the Eurovision contest to press their claims that Russia officially sanctions homophobia.

Moscow police spokesman Anatoly Listovetsky said 40 people were detained, but media reports said up to 80 had been seized. None of the protests in central Moscow took place near the capital's Olimpiysky Sports Complex, where the Eurovision concert being held live Saturday night."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090516/ap_on_re_eu/eu_russia_gay_rights

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