With a group of three violent thugs kicking and jumping on him, Svyatoslav Sheremet lies forlornly on the ground.
He is being attacked because he is the head of the organisation Gay Forum of Ukraine.
He was attacked after meeting with
members of the media to inform them that the first gay parade in the
Ukrainian capital of Kiev was cancelled.
The attackers ran off when they realised members of the media were documenting the horrific assault.
The event - which had attracted about 150 gay men and lesbians - was held at a secret location and had a huge police presence.
But hundreds of neo-Nazis and other right-wing extremists turned up and spread throughout the city and began to attack people.
At least two people required hospital treatment after being assaulted.
Following the arrival of the huge groups of extremists - and the risks they posed to those looking to enjoy the event - Kiev Pride was called off.
The attacks are particularly worrying as Ukraine will jointly host the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship this summer, which will see tens of thousands of football fans from across Europe descend on the country.
Speaking to Trouw.nl, Green MEP Marije Cornelissen said she was disappointed that the authorities could not uphold human rights in Kiev.
She added: 'If the Ukrainian police is unable to offer safety to participants in a Gay Pride, then you may doubt whether they can in the upcoming European Championships.'
One of the organisers of the event - known as Taras - said he was disappointed but added: 'Our goal was to promote dialogue in society, that's succeeded.'
The Ukraine Parliament will meet on Tuesday to condemn yesterday's activities and will also discuss homophobia in the country
Euro 2012 will take place between June 8 and July 1 and will be jointly hosted between Ukraine and Poland.
The attackers ran off when they realised members of the media were documenting the horrific assault.
The event - which had attracted about 150 gay men and lesbians - was held at a secret location and had a huge police presence.
Battered: Svyatoslav Sheremet is covered in
blood after he was attacked. Hundreds of neo-Nazis and other right-wing
extremists turned up in Kiev to attack the gay parade
But hundreds of neo-Nazis and other right-wing extremists turned up and spread throughout the city and began to attack people.
At least two people required hospital treatment after being assaulted.
Following the arrival of the huge groups of extremists - and the risks they posed to those looking to enjoy the event - Kiev Pride was called off.
The attacks are particularly worrying as Ukraine will jointly host the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship this summer, which will see tens of thousands of football fans from across Europe descend on the country.
Speaking to Trouw.nl, Green MEP Marije Cornelissen said she was disappointed that the authorities could not uphold human rights in Kiev.
She added: 'If the Ukrainian police is unable to offer safety to participants in a Gay Pride, then you may doubt whether they can in the upcoming European Championships.'
One of the organisers of the event - known as Taras - said he was disappointed but added: 'Our goal was to promote dialogue in society, that's succeeded.'
The Ukraine Parliament will meet on Tuesday to condemn yesterday's activities and will also discuss homophobia in the country
Euro 2012 will take place between June 8 and July 1 and will be jointly hosted between Ukraine and Poland.
Troubling: The attacks are particularly worrying
as Ukraine will jointly host the 2012 UEFA European Football
Championship this summer. Svyatoslav Sheremet is pictured talking to a
police officer
2 comments:
I want to give that guy a hug. I say this all the time but I simply have to say it again, I can't fucking believe it is now 2012 and shit like this still happens!! Human beings can be the worst mammals on the planet I tell ya!
-Gregorio
And..we can *choose* to be the best.
I just love the mans courage, who amongst us would have done, and gone thru, what he did?
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