Gay Couple In Moscow Face Prosecution Over 'Love' Tribute To Orlando Victims

[rangerrebew]

Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Russia
Gay Couple In Moscow Face Prosecution Over 'Love' Tribute To Orlando Victims

http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-moscow-orlando-tribute-gay-couple-arrest-moscow/27800800.html

A screen grab of two men being arrested outside the U.S. Embassy in Moscow after they placed a sign at a makeshift shrine to the victims of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub in Florida.
 

By Diana Munasipova and Claire Bigg

June 15, 2016

A gay couple has unexpectedly landed in hot water with Russian authorities after attempting to pay tribute to the victims of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Feliks Glyukman and Islam Abdullabekov were detained by police when they showed up at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow on June 13 with flowers, candles, and a large sign saying "Love wins."

If charged, they face up to 10 days behind bars and a minimum fine of 20,000 rubles ($303) for allegedly holding an unsanctioned picket.

"I think it’s a disgrace, to put it mildly," Glyukman, a 24-year-old art critic, told RFE/RL.

Glyukman said he and Abdullabekov, a 21-year-old social-media manager, came to the makeshift memorial outside the embassy to express their condolences, not rally for gay rights.

"We took our placard out of a bag and walked up to the memorial, we wanted to put it on the ground along with flowers and candles," he said. "But when we put the placard down a police officer came up, picked it up, and tried to return it to me. One of his colleagues, a young woman, joined him. When we refused to leave, they grabbed us by the arm and took us to their vehicle."

Footage of the detention captured by correspondent from RFE/RL’s Russian Service shows the young men getting into a police car.

WATCH: Men Arrested In Moscow After Orlando Tribute

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[rangerrebew]

Will anyone, including the United Nitwits, bad mouth Russia for this?

[geronl]

Russia does not have free speech. Putin puts down anything that resembles a protest.

[kevindavis007]

Russia does not have free speech. Putin puts down anything that resembles a protest.

There is a reason why Trump likes Russia..

[SZonian]

I loathe the media...the headline is complete hyperbole about why the "couple" faces prosecution...and the "gay" part is incitement.

"But when we put the placard down a police officer came up, picked it up, and tried to return it to me. One of his colleagues, a young woman, joined him. When we refused to leave, they grabbed us by the arm and took us to their vehicle."

The cops were giving them a break at first, but their attitude got them in trouble, not being gay and not for paying tribute.

[geronl]

There is a reason why Trump likes Russia..

That is likely one of the reasons