News (World)

Gay rights activists clash with opponents in Moscow, 15 detained

A small group of activists tried to hold an unauthorized demonstration in support of gay rights outside the mayor's office on Saturday. But opponents fought with them and police detained people from both sides.
By · Updated on June 1, 2015
Gay rights activists clash with opponents in Moscow, 15 detained
Russian anti-gay demonstrators attack a quad bike driven by gay rights activists as police detain gay rights activists during an attempt to hold a gay demonstration in central Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 30, 2015.
Russian anti-gay demonstrators attack a quad bike driven by gay rights activists as police detain gay rights activists during an attempt to hold a gay demonstration in central Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 30, 2015. Pavel Golovkin, AP
Russian police officers detain gay rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev during an attempt to hold a gay demonstration in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 30, 2015.
Russian police officers detain gay rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev during an attempt to hold a gay demonstration in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 30, 2015. Pavel Golovkin, AP

MOSCOW — Police in the Russian capital have detained 15 people after a clash broke out between gay rights advocates and opponents.

A small group of activists tried to hold an unauthorized demonstration in support of gay rights outside the mayor’s office on Saturday. But opponents fought with them and police detained people from both sides.

There was no immediate word on whether any of those detained would be charged, the Interfax news agency reported.

Animosity toward gays is high in Russia. Authorities routinely deny permission to hold gay-rights demonstrations on the grounds of maintaining public order and avoiding violence.

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