19 June 2017 News Politics

GAY RIGHTS DEMONSTRATION IN KIEV

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Gay rights demonstrators gathered in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, where thousands took to the street demanding equal rights. They were surrounded by a large number of riot police, as clashes were feared with a group of anti-gay activists.

Dateline: Kiev, Ukraine, 18/06/2017

Source: Ltava Tv/ Ukraine public TV;  http://www.ltava.poltava.ua / www.openmediahub.com
 

“This production was supported by OPEN Media Hub with funds provided by the European Union”

Gay rights demonstrators gathered in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, where thousands took to the street demanding equal rights. They were surrounded by a large number of riot police, as clashes were feared with a group of anti-gay activists.

Around 2500 demonstrators took to the street demanding equal rights for LGBT a controversial issue in Ukraine.  Police deployed 5000 policemen in riot gear as clashes were feared. The ultranationalist group Right Sector had warned the day before that their supporters would ensure the parade ended in a "bloodbath." However only a few scuffles and arrest took place with the few 100-ultra nationalist who had organized a counter demonstration.

ITV: Ukrainian Deputy parliament Svetlana Zalishchuk: “ I came here as I want that Ukraine is place where everyone is equal and Ukraine is a tolerant society”

Kiev held its first major pride march last year after a pro-Western government that came to power after the 2014 revolution sanctioned such events. Previous gay pride rallies in Ukraine have ended in violence. In 2015, a gay pride march was called off when right-wing activists pelted participants with smoke grenades.

A small number of foreign representatives were also present in support to these LGBT activists.

ITV: Rebecca Harms Member of the European Parliament
“ it’s very important in the whole process of democratization of Ukraine, and I think the most important thing in the 2 year for me, is that the state the police is protecting the march

 

19 June 2017