Activists in Russia have been planning to hold a Moscow Pride rally to coincide with the Eurovision Song Contest. Previously, the government had said that the streets would not be safe for LGBT people during this time, and made no promise to protect them.

Today, the Russian Police arrested dozens of activists -- including Peter Tatchell (who was beaten at the 2007 even while Russian police stood by -- he has been released, according to his Twitter account). There's a live blog from Moscow detailing the ongoings. Apparently, activists are being charged with "disobedience to police."

Here's the story from Gays Without Borders:

Sources from Moscow have reported that police have used violent and oppressive tactics to break up the peaceful Slavic Pride march in the city.

The march had been outlawed by Moscow city authorities, but permission had been given for counter-demonstrations by far right ultra-nationalists.

Between 35 and 40 Russian LGBT activists have been arrested, including British human rights activist Peter Tatchell and Chicago LGBT activist Andy Thayer. Pride organiser Nikolai Alekseev was held down by 5 fully armed riot police and arrested.

European Embassy diplomats witnessed the violence are said to be planning a joint diplomatic action.

And one more video: