File picture of gay couple. Photo Lehtikuva.
A Russian gay couple is seeking asylum in the country, reported the Finnish language daily Helsingin Sanomat.
The men, who currently are living at the Reception Centre at Konnunsuo, Lappeenranta, told the newspaper that they had been victims of repeated mistreatment due to their sexual orientation.
One of the men said the Russian police had first inquired about his sexual orientation before withdrawing the report after the man had come to report a crime.
The Helsingin Sanomat did not receive comments from the Russian police despite repeated attempts.
According to the couple, anti-gay sentiments have intensified in recent years, even in the more liberal parts of the country such as St. Petersburg.
The men revealed that they fled from their St. Petersburg home last summer after the word “homo” was scribbled on their door.
