MOSCOW (AP) — Police in the Russian capital have detained 15 people after a clash broke out between gay-rights advocates and opponents.
Russian riot policemen detain gay and LGBT rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev (C) during an unauthorized gay rights activists rally in central Moscow on May 30, 2015. Moscow city authorities turned down demands for a gay rights rally. (Dmitry Serebryakov/AFP/Getty Images)
A small group of activists tried to hold an unauthorized demonstration in support of gay rights outside the mayor's office on Saturday.
Russian riot policemen detain a gay and LGBT rights activist during an unauthorized gay rights activists rally in central Moscow on May 30, 2015. Moscow city authorities turned down demands for a gay rights rally. (Dmitry Serebryakov/AFP/Getty Images)
But opponents fought with them and police detained people from both sides.
Russian riot policemen detain anti-gay Orthodox activist Dmitry Enteo during an unauthorized rally in central Moscow on May 30, 2015. (Dmitry Serebryakov/AFP/Getty Images)
There was no immediate word on whether any of those detained would be charged, the Interfax news agency reported.
Animosity toward homosexuals is high in Russia.
Gay and LGBT rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev (R) holds a flare as he rides a quad-bike during an unauthorized gay rights activists rally in central Moscow on May 30, 2015. Moscow city authorities turned down demands for a gay rights rally. (Dmitry Serebryakov/AFP/Getty Images)
Authorities routinely deny permission to hold gay-rights demonstrations on the grounds of maintaining public order and avoiding violence.
