London Mayor issues appeal for end to Pride ban after arrests and violence in Moscow

Press Release
London Mayor issues appeal for end to Pride ban after arrests and violence in Moscow
28-5-2007 320

Following yesterday's violence against lesbian and gay rights demonstrators in Moscow, and the arrest of several of the demonstrators, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has this morning written to his Moscow counterpart Mayor Luzhkov urging that no charges be brought against those who were demonstrating for lesbian and gay rights.

His letter asks Mayor Luzhkov to 'resolve the root cause of this protest by lifting the ban on the Gay Pride parade in Moscow in line with the practice of most cities throughout the world'.

Below is the letter from Mr Livingstone to Mr Luzhkov:

Dear Mayor Luzhkov,

I am writing to convey my deep concern at the reported physical violence against, and arrest of, Peter Tatchell, a Parliamentary candidate for the Green Party in Britain, and other supporters of lesbian and gay rights, during their participation in an event in Moscow seeking to present a petition to you to lift a ban on the Gay Pride parade in Moscow.

I have known Peter Tatchell for many years and know him to be a person committed exclusively to peaceful political activity.

I would urge you to use your good offices to seek the lifting of all charges against Mr Tatchell and his fellow demonstrators.
I would also urge you to resolve the root cause of this protest by lifting the ban on the Gay Pride parade in Moscow in line with the practice of most cities throughout the world.

Yours sincerely,

Ken Livingstone
Mayor of London


ENDS

Notes to Editors

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Call the Mayor’s Press Office on 020 7983 4070

GENERAL PUBLIC/NON-MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Call the Public Liaison Unit at the Greater London Authority on 020 7983 4100

DUTY PRESS OFFICER: For out-of-hours media enquiries, please call 020 7983 4000



モスクワプライド：今年も流血の事態に発展