Police in St. Petersburg, Russia on
Saturday arrested 8 gay rights activists for violating a law which
forbids the spread of “homosexual propaganda” to minors.
The activists attempted to hold two gay
rights rallies.
Three rally organizers were arrested at
a park. They were the only participants.
Five of the six participants at the
second demonstration, held near the landmark Smolny complex, were
arrested, according to reports from the AP and The
Moscow Times.
Authorities at first authorized the
march but later revoked their permission. Andrei Kibitov, a
spokesman for the St. Petersburg governor's office, cited an
“enormous” number of requests from residents in explaining the
city's decision to reverse its decision.
Activists vowed to defy authorities.
Organizers on Friday predicted a low
turnout due to the city's actions. They said they had originally
expected 300 people to attend the event.
St. Petersburg's law, which took effect
in March, effectively outlaws Gay Pride parades and gay rights
demonstrations. Violators face fines ranging from 5,000 to 500,000
rubles ($153 to $153,000.)
(Related: Madonna
threatened with fine if she violates St. Petersburg anti-gay law.)