There have been violent scenes in Russia, as ultra-nationalists attacked gay rights activists outside the office of the Mayor of Moscow. After the fracas, riot police stepped in, arresting some of the activists.

European MP Marco Cappato was among those detained.

“Where are the police? Where is the protection? I’m a member of European Parliament,” he shouted before he was led away.

Russian gay community leader Nikolai Alexeyev and veteran British gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell were also reportedly arrested, along with several members of the far right.

The activists and their supporters had been preparing to lobby the mayor to allow a Gay Pride march to go ahead.

Copyright © 2012 euronews