Russian Police Detain Dozens of LGBT Activists at Unsanctioned Pride Rally in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Russian police detained approximately 30 LGBT rights activists on Saturday afternoon during an unsanctioned Pride rally at Palace Square, according to organizers and witnesses.

The activists had gathered to demand freedom of association after city authorities rejected their request to hold a formal parade, organizers said. The detentions mark the latest crackdown on LGBT advocacy in Russia, where a 2013 law banning the spread of gay "propaganda" remains in force.

One-Man Protest Strategy Fails to Avoid Arrests

Around 60 people holding placards and waving rainbow-colored flags gathered in the city center, said activist and co-organizer Aleksei Nazarov. Each participant demonstrated alone in an attempt to avoid the protest being classified as a gathering, which would have made it subject to the city's prior approval requirement.

The strategy ultimately failed. Police moved in and began detaining campaigners who unfurled rainbow flags or held placards, dragging them into waiting police buses.

Nazarov himself was among those detained. He was carried off the square by three police officers while holding a rainbow flag, according to reports.

Scenes from Palace Square

One man was photographed lying on the cobblestones while officers carried him toward a police bus, still holding his multicolored banner aloft above his head. Another activist, a woman wearing sunglasses, was seen being pulled along the ground by officers on either side as she clutched a rainbow flag.

Three policemen were seen carrying one man who looked despondent but refused to release his banner.

No clashes between police and activists were reported.

Placards and Messages

One protester held a placard featuring a rainbow design that read: "My mum loves me, my dad loves me, my friends love me, why can not you?"

Those not detained reportedly chanted "Shame!" at police officers as the arrests unfolded.

Detainees were taken to police stations No. 29, 69, and 74, according to activist reports.

Legal Context

Russia's 2013 "gay propaganda" law prohibits the distribution of information deemed to promote "non-traditional sexual relationships" to minors. The legislation has been used to justify restrictions on LGBT public events and advocacy.

Organizers had applied for permission to hold a parade but were turned down by city authorities, prompting the decision to stage what they described as one-man protests.

The St. Petersburg rally coincided with Pride celebrations and marches around the world.

In a separate incident last month, Russian police briefly detained British LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell after he protested near the Kremlin in support of gay rights.

The number of arrests varied in initial reports, with organizers citing 30 detainees and some news outlets reporting around 25.