July 8, 2014
Gay Club in Kiev Attacked By Mob of Neo-Nazis: Video
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Violence against the LGBT community in Eastern Europe continued this week with an attack by a group of 15 to 20 neo-nazis against the gay club "Pomada" (Lipstick) in the Ukrainian capital city, Kiev. The melee was captured on video by a surveillance camera.
Like Leak reports the incident occurred on July 6 about 10:50 p.m. There were no reported injuries.
A statement released by the Interior Ministry of Ukraine in Kiev stated the following:
At the scene, according to an entertainment venue staff, law enforcement officers found that shortly before the call to the police came to the administration building about 15 people in camouflage and balaclava (ski masks) and began to commit unlawful acts. Located near the main entrance to the nightclub, unidentified persons threw a smoke bomb and several firecrackers. this damaged the facade of the building, ventilation and outdoor surveillance camera.
The video captured shows club goers rushed into the building by a bouncer while a gang approaches. The gang, many of whom were dressed in ski masks with neo-Nazi symbols storm the front of the building, kicking and punching in an attempt to get into the club. They quickly fled for reasons unclear.
Pink News reports far-right homophobic groups were influential in Ukraine's recent coup, prior to which the parliament attempted to pass an anti-discrimination bill.
The attack follows the cancellation of the city's scheduled gay pride event.