The first open transgender deputy in the Italian parliament, Vladimir Luxuria, landed at Sochi airport today, as she immediately told her on her Twitter page, backing up her words with a photo in which a smiling activist waving a flag painted in all colors of rainbow.
However, already in the evening, an LGBT supporter was arrested by the local police for propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations, which is strictly prohibited by the recently updated legislation. According to sources, at the moment, the Italian actress and public figure is in pre-trial detention.
Imma Battaglia, president of the Italian DìGayProject movement, explained to reporters that Vladimir went to Sochi to monitor the success of the national team, as well as to protest against the anti-gay law.
Luxuria carried a rainbow flag that read, "Being gay is normal."
Recall that in the summer of 2013 a clause was introduced into the legislation of Russia that prohibits any promotion of homosexuality and pedophilia among minors. Violation of this provision may result in significant fines.
According to Battaglia, as soon as the local police saw Luxuria waving the flag, the activist was immediately seized and sent to jail. Now the woman is in the room with neon lights, in which the interrogation is being conducted. DiGayProject President managed to contact the prisoner. She, in turn, said that she was locked in the room, and the surrounding law enforcement officers spoke exclusively in Russian, so the foreigner has no idea how her fate will be decided.
Battaglia, meanwhile, contacted the Italian ambassador Emma Bonino, who promised to provide all the necessary assistance and support, as well as find out where the detained Luxuria is now.
The reaction to the arrest of the Italian LGBT activist followed immediately. A spokeswoman for the Gay Center, Fabrizio Marrazzo, said his compatriot was likely to be in difficult conditions, and also called on Bonino to intervene immediately. Luxuria, which was previously a member of the Italian parliament, faces a 15-day arrest and deportation.
Her colleague Paola Concia tweeted, “I just talked to Bonino. Everything will be fine."
Meanwhile, Senator Sergio LoGiudice strongly urges the Italian ambassador to intervene and say his word against “Putin’s arrogance”. “Unruly, free and not afraid of the gendarmes of state morality. Thank you, Vladimir, ”wrote politician Nichi Vendola. Alessandro Zan, a member of parliament, said he was ready to fly to Russia immediately. “This situation proves Putin’s lack of respect for human and civil rights. All Putin’s Italian friends have something to think about. If Luxuria is not released within the next few hours, I will go to Russia and will be glad to all the deputies who decide to join me. ”
