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Sexual minority representatives detained in St Petersburg on suspicion of breaching city law

A number of people were detained in St. Petersburg on Tuesday on suspicion of breaching the city law
Photo ITAR-TASS
Photo ITAR-TASS

ST. PETERSBURG, May 1 (Itar-Tass) —— A number of people were detained in St. Petersburg on Tuesday on suspicion of breaching the city law, which banned homosexuality propaganda, the city police told Itar-Tass.

“Several activists of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) movement were detained near the Mayakovskaya metro station on Nevsky Avenue and taken to a police station. Administrative charges may be brought, as they have attempted to unfold signs in defense of sexual minority rights,” the police said.

There had been detentions in the May 1 city march before. Around 20 young men were asked to undergo examination. Those who refused were taken to a police station. Teargas cylinders and knives were seized from them there.

The police said that 55,000 people would take part in May 1 events in the city. All the events are permitted by the city authorities. Three thousand police officers provide law and order.