Gay-rights activists attempting demonstration in Moscow clash with opponents, police detain 15

MOSCOW – Police in the Russian capital have detained 15 people after a clash broke out between gay-rights advocates and opponents.

A small group of activists tried to hold an unauthorized demonstration in support of gay rights outside the mayor’s office on Saturday. But opponents fought with them and police detained people from both sides.

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. Authorities routinely deny permission to hold gay-rights demonstrations on the grounds of maintaining public order and avoiding violence.

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