Saying No to Putin

Today saw 33 coordinated worldwide demonstrations against the state-sponsored persecution of gay people in Russia. This was not the first protest in London against Vladimir Putin, nor is it likely to be the last, but it was the loudest and most diverse yet.

In addition to writer/performer Paul O'Grady, this protest was also visited by Shadow Immigration Minister Chris Bryant MP, himself a gay man. Bryant is also chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Russia, and called on the Russian president to abide by the terms of the European Convention on Hunan Rights, to which his country is a signatory.

Bryant addressed the crowd repeatedly (both times alongside veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell), and spoke (here) to the pitifully small media presence covering the event.