Page "Violence against LGBT people" Paragraph 48

Russia's officials are similarly adverse to Pride Parades.

Mayor of Moscow Yury Luzhkov has repeatedly banned marches, calling them " satanic ".

Pride participants instead tried to peacefully assemble and deliver a petition to city hall regarding the right of assembly and freedom of expression.

They were met by skinheads and other protesters, and police who had closed off the square and immediately arrested activists as they entered.

As some were being arrested, other participants were attacked by protesters.

Police did nothing.

Around eleven women and two men were arrested and left in the heat, denied medical attention, and verbally abused by police officers.

The officers told the women, " No one needs lesbians, no one will ever get you out of here.

" When participants were released from custody hours later, they were pelted by eggs and shouted at by protesters who had been waiting.