Russian gay rights leader Nikolai
Alexeyev (sometimes spelled Alekseev) is holding a celebration of
sorts after eluding Moscow police and anti-gay foes in two gay
demonstrations Sunday.
A small group of protesters led by
rights leader Alexeyev held pride flags and banners outside the famed
Tchaikovsky music conservatory. They chanted, “No to homophobia,”
and, “Tchaikovsky was gay.” A second demonstration was held at a
building in front of Moscow's City Hall where a banner was hung
reading “Rights For Gays and Lesbians – homophobia of mayor
Luzhkov to be prosecuted.” The police quickly pulled it down.
Hundreds of balloons were set free over Moscow.
Both demonstrations lasted only minutes
before police arrived. The demonstrations are what goes for Pride in
Moscow since mayor Yuri Luzhkov called homosexuality “satanic.”
Luzhkov has denied the group a parade license since 2006 and called
the actions “criminal.”
Initial reports on Sunday left
journalists guessing when Russian radio Ekho Moskvy reported up to 15
people were detained. In fact, police only detained counter
demonstrators who had gathered around City Hall – assuming gay
activists would rally there.
Four gay activists were later arrested
by the police in an apartment. Witnesses at the scene told
Ukgaynews.org.uk that the police forced their way into the apartment
by breaking down the door. The four members were held in custody
overnight and charged with “taking part in an unsanctioned
demonstration and for not obeying an order from the police.”
Russian gay websites went down on
Sunday, leaving activists to believe the government was attempting to
censor their victory.
The demonstrators kept police and
counter demonstrators at bay by moving quickly, leaving Alexeyev to
report at the end, “The Police Chief arrived to witness his
incompetence in [not] being able to prevent our two actions.”