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Russian gay activist arrested without charge

09/15/2010 by JR Russell

Nikolai Alekseev was arrested by Russian police just before he was due to board a flight to Geneva. The last update indicates the Russian police are denying any knowledge of his location and not disclosing the reason behind his arrest.

Before communication was cut off, Alekseev communicated that he was still unaware of the reason behind his detention.

Alekseev is a tireless campaigner for gay rights in Russia, where the public and government attitude is openly hostile. Only recently, a court ruled it was not offensive for the mayor of Moscow to refer to homosexuals using the derogatory “gomiki”, which, roughly translated, means “faggot”.

There is speculation the arrest may be linked to Alekseev’s involvement in gay pride marches and protests with the opposition party.

Vigils and marches are being organised at Russian consulates and embassies in order to put pressure on Russian authorities to either release Nikolai Alekseev or — at the very least — to provide information on where he has been taken and what charges he is facing.

Activists are urging people to contact their own governments to ensure Russia feel international pressure. Europeans should contact their MEPs.

Correction: The story broke at LGBT Asylum News