The Russian Embassy in Wellington The Queer Avengers will hold a protest in solidarity with Russian LGBTI communities outside the Russian Embassy in Wellington on Friday. “We want to make the Russian Embassy aware that what is happening is not acceptable, that all queers worldwide should be free from fear of attack, imprisonment and death” says Avenger Sara Fraser. “We want to send a message of Solidarity, let them know we know what is happening.” Fraser contacted the Russian LGBT Network informing them of the solidarity action and says: “they emailed back saying “It's highly appreciated by us - do it and be noisy!”. Ian Anderson, fellow Queer Avenger says “It is part of a global struggle against repression. Their struggle is our struggle.” He adds “We need to be aware that while the Putin regime is particularly harsh in this current clampdown, that Russian queer communities are standing up for themselves and we are standing in solidarity.” Fraser says people worldwide are angry and sending a clear message to Putin. "This has to end and end now. The reported death of the teen who was tortured and beaten by a group of thugs is one death too many. We mourn for his loss." Queer Avengers are holding their solidarity protest outside the Russian Embassy in Karori (57 Messines Rd) on Friday from 4.30PM. All who wish to take a stand are welcome. Meanwhile Green MP Jan Logie is expecting an imminent response to her letter on the issue to Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully. She and colleagues Kevin Hague and Kennedy Graham have also requested a meeting with the Russian ambassador to discuss their concerns. Planning is also underway for some form of protest action in Auckland.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 7th August 2013 - 4:47pm