Gay rights activists, angry protesters square off in downtown Riga

The Associated Press
Published: May 31, 2008

RIGA, Latvia: Gay rights activists and their opponents have squared off during a parade in downtown Riga.

City officials shut a wide boulevard for several hours Saturday to allow a march by about 300 people. Security forces protected the marchers from about 400 anti-gay demonstrators shouting slogans and waving banners.

A police spokeswoman said five people were detained including one person on the parade and four protesters.

Latvia, as well as its Baltic neighbors Estonia and Lithuania, has been criticized by human rights organizations for intolerance toward sexual minorities.

No Latvian politicians showed up to support the marchers but on Friday President Valdis Zatlers called on society to be tolerant toward sexual minorities.

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