Europe

Gay pride rally in Kiev attacked by ‘hooligans’

Two policemen wounded during event celebrating LGBT community in Ukraine’s capital

Protesters clash with policemen during the Gay Pride parade in Kiev, Ukraine on Saturday. Photograph: Roman Pilipey/EPA.
Protesters clash with policemen during the Gay Pride parade in Kiev, Ukraine on Saturday. Photograph: Roman Pilipey/EPA.
Sat Jun 06 2015 - 12:47

Several dozen unknown assailants attacked a Gay Pride march in Kiev on Saturday, throwing flares and wounding two policemen.

On Friday the organisers for 'KyivPride2015' said the march along the Dnipro river would go ahead despite warnings from city mayor Vitaly Klitschko, who advised the event be cancelled because of a threat of violence from far-right groups.

Despite the presence of several hundred police in riot gear, the march of around 150 LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) supporters carrying rainbow banners and placards came under attack.

Participants carry flags during the Gay Pride parade in Kiev, Ukraine. Photograph: Roman Pilipey/EPA.
Participants carry flags during the Gay Pride parade in Kiev, Ukraine. Photograph: Roman Pilipey/EPA.
Riot policemen arrest right-wing activists during a protest against a Gay Pride march in Kiev. Photograph: Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images.
Riot policemen arrest right-wing activists during a protest against a Gay Pride march in Kiev. Photograph: Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images.

Some 25 to 30 “hooligans” were arrested, parliament member Serhiy Leshchenko said on Twitter.

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Mr Leshchenko said police had prevented any direct clashes between participants in the march and the attackers.

Ukrainian authorities have increased their support for LGBT rights since a new pro-European government came to power after last year’s ‘Maidan’ street protests; but critics say homophobic attitudes remain widespread.

Reuters