The parade in Moscow scheduled for Saturday, May 27 had been banned by the authorities. The gay and lesbian activists decided to march anyway and to go to Alexandrovski Sad, beside the Kremlin, to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument which represents Russia’s struggle against fascism.

The reaction to the parade was exaggerated with religious leaders and fascists threatening the marchers. Despite the threat of violence, people decided to resist only they encountered problems from the very beginning. Militia, riot police and neo-nazis were blocking the exits of metros and either beating or chasing people.

The activists were very stubborn and kept coming back and trying to gather. Besides the gay and lesbians, about 200 political activists, including many anarchists, came to support and try to fight back the fascists. As a result, over 120 people were arrested. We believe most have already been released and will be charged with disturbing the peace or illegal gathering which are misdemeanours which carry a fine. We have no information yet as to whether anybody was seriously hurt and are waiting for updated information.

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