Police in Moscow have broken up a gay rights protest staged to coincide with the final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Campaigners gathered near a university and called for gay rights in Russia. They also condemned the treatment of gays and lesbians.

Between 35 and 40 Russian LGBT activists have been arrested, including British human rights activist Peter Tatchell and Chicago LGBT activist Andy Thayer. Pride organiser Nikolai Alekseev was held down by 5 fully armed riot police and arrested.







European Embassy diplomats witnessed the violence are said to be planning a joint diplomatic action.

Slavic Pride organizers have called on the artists and performers of Eurovision to boycott tonight’s showpiece event in solidarity with the beaten and arrested protesters.

Organiser Nikolai Alekseev said:

“I call upon all of the artists who are due to perform at tonight’s Eurovision to boycott tonight’s event and send a message that Russia’s state oppression of human rights is not acceptable.

“The Russian Government is using this years Eurovision in Moscow as a gala showpiece to show the world how far the country has improved since the early 1990’s. However, what was witnessed this afternoon on the streets of Moscow shows the world just how little Russia has travelled when it comes to supporting fundamental human rights.

“The police brutality that we witnessed here this afternoon is shocking. We planned a peaceful march to highlight the dire state of LGBT rights in Russia today. The police, given violent legitimacy by the openly homophobic Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, did not hold back with their weapons, despite the world’s media watching.

“We were defending the often violated human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Russians. We demand the same legal protection against discrimination and hate crimes that none LGBT people enjoy.

“This episode has shamed the Russian Government and Moscow authorities before the world.”

There have been numerous attacks on the gay community in Russia - clubs have been targeted in some cases. Gay and lesbian people risk being fired by their employers and shunned by their families.

Meanwhile a demonstration by nationalist and religious groups elsewhere in the capital experienced no problems with the police.

The double standard isn't surprising. The Moscow mayor Yuri Luzkhov has described gay parades as "satanic" and routinely bans them.

More info at Gays Without Borders.