Prosecutors to Check Election Video for Inciting Hatred Against Gays

Aug. 28, 2014

Prosecutors in Murmansk will examine a six-second campaign video featuring two lawmakers from the ruling United Russia party for evidence of incitement of hatred against homosexuals.

Prosecutors said Thursday that they had received a complaint about the video, as had the regional election commission, Interfax reported, citing the commission's spokesman, Boris Kharitonov.

The video, posted online by gay-rights website GayRussia.eu, first depicts several cartoon figures resembling bearded drag-queen "Eurovision Song Contest" winner Conchita Wurst gathering at a sign reading: "There will be a parade!" The two candidates, Oleg Guz and Almaz Gismeyev, are then shown shaking hands while an off-screen voice announces their names and the slogan: "Against loudmouths and gays."

It was unclear who had made and released the video and whether it was an official campaign video for the upcoming municipal elections on Sept. 14. Both Gismeyev and Guz are currently members of the Murmansk city council running for re-election.

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