15 Jun 2018 | 02:21 AM UTC
Ukraine: KyivPride March June 17
LGBT activists to hold a parade in Kyiv on June 17; localized traffic disruptions and counter-protests possible
Event
LGBT activists are holding a series of events in Kyiv to celebrate Pride Week from Friday, June 15, through Sunday, June 17. Pride Week events will culminate with a parade on June 17 that will start at 09:00 (local time) at the National Opera of Ukraine. Thousands of people are expected to participate in the march. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around the event. Counterprotests by far-right groups are also possible.
Context
Anti-LGBT violence is not rare in Ukraine. During a KyivPride event in June 2017, protesters burned an LGBT flat. In May 2017, around 30 masked assailants attacked participants and police officers at an LGBT event held in the city of Kharkiv (Kharkiv province).
Advice
Individuals in Kyiv are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, allow additional time to travel, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
