Russian Riot Police Break Up Peaceful Gay Rally in Moscow

Dozens of Russian riot police broke up a gay rights demonstration on Saturday before the Eurovision Song Contest final in Moscow, grabbing protesters and throwing them into police cars and waiting vans. Russian riot police trampled hedges at a hill overlooking central Moscow to arrest about 35 protesters when they unfurled banners calling for gay rights. Those arrested included Russian, Belarussian and British campaigners. "There is no freedom for gays in Russia," British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell shouted as police bundled him away and pushed him into a waiting car. "We call on President (Dmitry) Medvedev to meet with us." Riot police pushed scores of waiting reporters away as they arrested the gay and lesbian participants and threw them into waiting vans at the Sparrow Hills park near Moscow State University, which is popular with newly-weds. Full Story - Click Here

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