First Published: Monday 28 May 2007, 12:49
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has condemned the violent scenes at yesterday's Moscow Pride and called on his Moscow counterpart Mayor Luzhkov to ensure "no charges be brought against those who were demonstrating for lesbian and gay rights" but instead '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'.
Mr Livingtsone has also expressed "deep concern" at the reported physical violence against, and arrest of, gay and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
In his letter the Mayor describes Mr Tatchell as "a person committed exclusively to peaceful political activity."
The full text of the Mayor's letter reads:
"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"
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