dodekanisos pride catamaran

The "DODEKANISOS PRIDE" is the second boat of the ferry operator and has as high standards as the "DODEKANISOS EXPRESS". The Sea Lord catamaran are able to transport cars and passengers, have a first aid practice and is designed with symmetric hulls for better performance, airworthiness, and passenger comfort.

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Dodekanisos Seaways

Below, you can find all the information you may want to know about the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry company.

• Destinations • Fleet and routes • Check-in and discounts • Agencies

Dodekanisos Seaways was established in 1999 by George Spanos. Its headquarters lie in Rhodes. The company's fleet consists of three vessels and its destinations include the Dodecanese Islands as well as some Northeastern Aegean Islands.

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Dodekanisos Seaways operates domestic routes to the Dodecanese and the Northeastern Aegean throughout the year. More specifically, its destinations include:

Destinations

Fleet and routes.

The company's fleet numbers  three  vessels, two of which are high-speed. All three ferries have a cafe bar, open-deck seats, and kennels.

► DODEKANISOS PRIDE is a high-speed catamaran that can transfer 280 passengers and 9 vehicles. Numbered air-type seats and Business seats are both available.

► DODEKANISOS EXPRESS is a high-speed catamaran that can transfer 337 passengers and 6 vehicles. Numbered air-type seats and Business seats are both available.

► PANAGIA SKIADENI is a conventional ferry that can transfer 590 passengers and 115 vehicles. Economy seats, numbered air-type seats and Business seats are available. Its amenities include a reception area and interior lounges and cafe bars.

Check-in, discounts, and the Seasmiles reward program

Online reservations and web check-in are available. You can receive your tickets either digitally or physically at one of the company’s port offices. Keep in mind that you have to be at the point of check-in one hour before your boarding time.

Dodekanisos Seaways offers special discounts to groups, children, and passengers with disabilities.

Dodekanisos Bonus Ways is the company’s reward program that offers special privileges, discounts and offers to its members.

Dodekanisos Seaways headquarters are located at Kolona Port, Rhodes. They also have central port agencies in all of their offered destinations, except for Agathonisi, Arki, and Panormitis (Symi), and they have partnered with more than 400 travel agencies.

Official Website: www.12ne.gr

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Dodekanisos Seaways

Dodekanisos Seaways was established in 1999 in Rhodes with the vision to offer regular connections between the main islands of the Dodecanese and the mainland of Greece. Very soon, George and Yiannis Spanos, the owners of the company, realized that there was greater need to connect the smaller islands of the Dodecanese , such as Nisyros , Chalki and Kastelorizo , to the bigger islands, like Rhodos and Kos , which were daily connected to the mainland by other ferry companies already. Nowadays, its fleet consists of 3 vessels, 2 catamarans and one conventional ferry , that offer regular routes between most of the Dodecanese islands thus supporting their economy, by giving them the possibility to develop within the tourism sector. Furthermore it gives the chance to permanent residents and visitors to move from one island to the other in a single day, comfortably and quickly. Dodekanisos Seaways has been awarded many times for its great consideration towards the environment and for its social policy.

General Information

• Departure Map

Australias Str, 3

Post Code: 85100

Fax: +30 22410 70591

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://www.12ne.gr

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Agathonisi port, Port kiosk on Agathonisi port, Greece

Post Code: 85003

Phone: 0030 22470 23000

Astypalaia, Pera Gialos, over the beach, next to National Bank of Greece ATM , GREECE

Post Code: 85900

Phone: 0030 22430 59868

Fax: 0030 22430 59868

Chalki, Port of Chalki, Greece

Post Code: 85110

Phone: 2246045028

Fax: 2246045082

Fourni, Fourni, Greece

Post Code: 83400

Phone: 0030 22750 51481

Fax: 0030 22750 51481

Ag. Kirikos, On the central square of Agios Kirikos, Greece

Post Code: 83300

Phone: 0030 22750 23322

Fax: 0030 22750 23708

Evdilos, Central Square of Evdilos, Greece

Post Code: 83302

Phone: 0030 22750 33008

Fax: 0030 22750 33008

Kalymnos, Enoria Christou, Greece

Post Code: 85200

Phone: 0030 22430 23700

Fax: 0030 22430 23700

Kalymnos, Aghios Nikolaos, Greece

Phone: 0030 22430 28777

Fax: 0030 22430 22608

Kastelorizo, Megisti, Greece

Post Code: 85111

Phone: 0030 22460 70630

Fax: 0030 22460 49286

Kos, 10, Vas. Georgiou str, Kos 853 00, Greece

Post Code: 85300

Phone: 0030 22420 29900

Fax: 0030 22420 24864

KOS, Kos Port, Kos 853 00, Greece

Phone: 0030 22420 49470

Leros, Lakki, Greece

Post Code: 85400

Phone: 0030 22470 26000

Fax: 0030 22470 23364

Phone: 0030 22470 24000

Fax: 0030 22470 28023

Lipsi, Port of Lipsi, Greece

Post Code: 85001

Phone: 0030 22470 26700

Nisyros, Nisyros, Greece

Post Code: 85303

Phone: 0030 22420 31459

Fax: 0030 22420 31527

Patmos, Skala, Greece

Post Code: 85500

Phone: 0030 22470 31324

Fax: 0030 22470 31819

Rodos, Kolona Harbour, Greece

Phone: 0030 22410 70590

Fax: 0030 22410 70591

Pythagorio, Inside Pythagorio port, opposite the ferry departure point., Greece

Post Code: 83103

Phone: 0030 27302 22116

Fax: 0030 22730 80447

Samos, Themistokli Sofouli 5, Vathy, Greece

Post Code: 83100

Phone: 0030 22730 22118

Symi, Ypolohagou Menikidi, Paralia, Greece

Post Code: 85600

Phone: 0030 22460 71307

Fax: 0030 22460 70011

Tilos, Port of Tilos, Greece

Post Code: 85002

Phone: 0030 22460 44360

Fax: 0030 22460 44315

Marmaris , Kiosk-desk on Marmaris Cruise port, Gunnucek Yolu Marmaris Limani, Turkey

Post Code: 48700

Phone: 0090 252 4129610

Cancellation Policy

In case the ticket is cancelled more than 7 full days prior to departure date, then it is 100% refunded. The ticket can be cancelled with 50% refund if it is cancelled from 7 days to 1 hour before the departure time. Open date tickets: Tickets can be converted to open dated up until 1 hour before the departure. Open date tickets are valid for one year from the initial travel date. Open date tickets are not valid for embarkation unless replaced by new tickets with the date of departure. If the fare of the new ticket is higher, passengers have to pay the difference. If the fare of the new ticket is lower, the difference in price is not refundable. Open date tickets and replaced tickets are subject to the cancellation policy of the initial ticket.

The ticket is personal. It cannot be transmitted to another person or changed for another route. In case you lose your ticket, you have to issue a new one. The lost ticket is not refunded Children up to 5 years old do not pay a ticket fare, while children from 5 to 10 years old pay half of the ticket. If you have issued a whole ticket, you are allowed to carry a luggage of 40kg with you Open date tickets are valid for one year after their issue date. If the ticket fare has changed within this year, passengers must pay the difference. Passengers should communicate with their travel agent to make a reservation.

Alteration of ship schedule

The company is not responsible for any delay or cancellation of departure in case of bad weather conditions, force majeure and order of the Marine Merchandise Ministry or the Port Authorities. If the trip is cancelled by the Company, then the passenger is entitled to full refund of the ticket. The company has no other obligation to the passenger. The company has the right to change the trip schedule, after the passengers are notified and the Ministry of the Merchandise Marine approves this change.

Traveling to Turkey

Passengers traveling between Turkey and Greece will be requested to pay port taxes before their embarkation. The amount for the port taxes is 15.30€ per person.

Cars to Turkey

Passengers who want to travel with their car from Turkey to Greece or from Greece to Turkey must have, upon boarding control, the car license with their name on it and international car insurance that includes Turkey/Greece. If they do not have these two elements, they will not be able to travel with their car to Turkey/Greece.

If a passenger travels with a pet, this should be mentioned when issuing the ticket. Passengers are the sole responsible for the hygiene and the safety of their pets on board and also for any conduct of their pets towards other passengers.

The passenger should be at the port at least 30 minutes before the departure time. If they have a car, they should be there at least one hour before. Passengers should comply with the instructions of the captain, the crew, the Ministry of Merchandise Marine and the port authorities. Passengers are responsible for their personal items while on board. The company is not responsible for any loss or damage of them. Valuable personal belongings can be given to officers for storage.

Passengers Ticket Conditions

Approved by the Hellenic Ministry of Mercantile Marine The ticket is issued in the passengers name, is personal and non-transferable. It is valid only for the class and the trip for which it was issued. The fare does not include catering. Passengers should be at the embarkation area of the ship one (1) hour before departure. If the passenger is not in time for sailing, he/she is not entitled to a refund of the fare. Children up to 4 years old travel free of charge and are not entitled to bed, while children over 4 and up to 10 years old pay a reduced fare and are entitled to bed. The bearer of a full ticket is allowed to carry free of charge luggage up to 40 kilos or 1 cubic meter. In case of loss of the ticket, it will not be replaced nor the fare will be refunded. The shipping company is not responsible for any damage or loss of the passengers luggage that is under the personal care of him/her during the trip. Jewellery, money and valuable objects may be delivered to the ships accounting office for safekeeping. The shipping company will not be responsible for any delay in sailing, deviation and not keeping normal route, due to bad weather conditions or orders of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine or the Harbor Authorities or due to force major. It is forbidden to the passengers to carry explosives, inflammable, incendiary and dangerous in general materials. The passengers are responsible for the observance of the Harbor, Sanitary and Custom regulations. The passengers should comply with the captains and the crew orders regarding the maintenance of order and the safety of the ship. The passenger should address any complaint during the trip to the ships captain or first mate and after the arrival, to the shipping company or to the Harbor Authorities. If for any reason the travel is cancelled due to the ships responsibility, the fare is refunded without any further obligation of the shipping company towards the passenger. The shipping company has the right, after approval of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, to replace the vessel for which the ticket was issued with another vessel.

Vehicle Transport receipt Conditions

Approved by the Hellenic Ministry of Mercantile Marine The drivers are obligated to load and unload their vehicle. The vehicles should be at the waiting for shipment area one (1) hour before departure and in any case on the time prescribed by the Port Regulation in force. The driver is not entitled to refund of the fare if he is not in time for sailing, while if he states before sailing his intention not to ship his vehicle, he is entitled to a refund of half of the fare. In case of loss of vehicle transport receipt, the fare is not refunded. The vehicles passengers have to get out of them before their shipment aboard. The passengers should carry with them objects that they need during the travel. After sailing the entrance to the vehicle station is forbidden. The transportation of explosives, incendiary and dangerous in general materials is forbidden. The priority order is determined by the Port Regulations of each Harbor Authorities, where the vehicles are shipped.

View our selection of videos of Dodekanisos Seaways, presenting interior and exterior views of the fleet of Dodekanisos Seaways.

Policy of the company

Dodekanisos express, panagia skiadeni, pride dodekanisos.

Catamaran to Patmos

Great, efficient, comfortable and fast service.

Kos to Patmos

Arrival and departure on time. Very comfortable. Little bar with some drinks and food, possibility to seat outside and enjoy nice coffee and a cigarette. In this world full of restrictions everywhere it's very refreshing. I would recommend to anyone and we will be definitely booking again, when in Greece.

Trip Kos-Lipsi-Patmos

[Translated from French] We travelled with Dodekanysos seaways to and from Kos-Lipsi-Patmos, with very welcoming and professional staff, I had bought an icon in Patmos which the captain carefully protected for me by leaving it in the cabin. The catamaran is even faster than the normal ferries, but you need to have your head on straight to stay on deck and watch the sea. The only downside was that when we went to the port of Lipsi, we missed the ferry because we were waiting in the wrong place. The company provided us with new tickets for the next ferry and we made arrangements with a hostess whose French was impeccable. What's more, it's vacation time, so we were able to observe life on the island for a few extra hours.

Fast and comfortable

[Translated from French] I used the company on 2 routes in the Dodecanese. The boat is fast and comfortable and fully booked in the middle of August. The restaurant service is practical and the staff is friendly.

Punctual and efficient

[Translated from German] Went from Kos to Patmos and back with Dodekanisos Seaways and was very pleasantly surprised by the punctuality and efficiency. Loading and unloading is very quick. Suitcases are sorted by destination when boarding and are carefully lined up for removal at the port. Both crossings were on time to the minute. However, I learned that a strong wind can delay the crossing, because then the speed must be reduced, which is understandable. But then that is not the fault of the company, but due to the weather. Can only recommend Dodekanisos and would book it again at any time!

Good Service

Very good service from the ferry company overall. I didn't have to queue long to get my pre booked tickets printed out however I do think a euro per ticket is a bit of a rip off just to print them out. Ferry was slightly late but not a problem. It says on the ticket you have an allocated seat number but it doesn't work like that. It is a free for all. Food and drink on board were fine and the toilets were very clean. The unloading and loading is super fast and well organised. No shade to be had at the terminal so it was a bit hot standing waiting for the boat.

Kos-Kalymnos

Delay of 4 hours without any communication, no service in the harbour, unrespectfull staff in the harbour.

Not so good

Ferry over an hour late. No one in the office knew about it.

Dodekanisos Seaways Central Office

INFORMATION

Customer Support

Frequently asked questions (faq).

Searching for Itineraries . . .

Discover 17 unique destinations

Header text.

The company is awarded for its action and services.

Dodekanisos Seaways connects the Dodecanese and North Aegean with 17 different destinations every day, all year round.

Dodekanisos Seaways timetable

Aegean islands - aegean islands routes.

• 2 Sailings Weekly 1 hr 35 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 1 hr
• 2 sailings Weekly 1 hr 35 mins

Aegean Islands - Dodecanese Routes

• 2 sailings Weekly 3 hrs 20 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 1 hr 45 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 55 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 3 hrs 40 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 2 hrs 10 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 1 hr 20 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 40 mins
• 4 Sailings Weekly 3 hrs 40 mins
• 4 sailings Weekly 3 hrs 55 mins
• 4 sailings Weekly 3 hrs 15 mins
• 4 sailings Weekly 2 hrs
• 3 sailings Weekly 1 hr 35 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 2 hrs 15 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 40 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 5 mins

Dodecanese - Aegean Islands Routes

• 2 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs

Dodecanese - Dodecanese Routes

• 4 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 55 mins
• 4 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 30 mins
• 4 Sailings Weekly 1 hr
• 2 Sailings Weekly 1 hr
• 3 Sailings Weekly 4 hrs 35 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 4 hrs
• 2 Sailings Weekly 20 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 3 hrs
• 2 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 20 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 1 hr 25 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 1 hr 15 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 3 hrs
• 5 Sailings Weekly 35 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 45 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 1 hr 10 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 1 hr 30 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 1 hr 40 mins
• 4 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 45 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 2 hrs
• 2 Sailings Weekly 3 hrs 10 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 2 hrs 20 mins
• 7 Sailings Weekly 1 hr 25 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 1 hr 50 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 45 mins
• 5 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 20 mins
• 8 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 5 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 1 hr 20 mins
• 7 Sailings Weekly 25 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 50 mins
• 4 Sailings Weekly 3 hrs 35 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 2 hrs 50 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 25 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 4 hrs 10 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 3 hrs 15 mins
• 4 Sailings Weekly 2 hrs 35 mins
• 3 sailings Weekly 50 mins
• 1 Sailing Weekly 45 mins
• 4 Sailings Weekly 5 hrs 40 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 4 hrs 45 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 4 hrs 35 mins
• 2 sailings Weekly 2 hrs 40 mins
• 3 Sailings Weekly 50 mins
• 2 Sailings Weekly 5 hrs 35 mins
• 5 Sailings Weekly 1 hr

Why choose  Dodekanisos Seaways

• In 2015 Dodekanisos Seaways was awarded by "Lloyd's List Greek Shipping Awards" as The Best Passenger Line of the Year
• Dodekanisos Seaways transports passengers with safety, speed and consistency to 17 unique destinations in the Dodecanese and North Eastern Aegean
• Dodekanisos Seaways is working closely with 16 main port agents and more than 400 travel agencies

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Frequently asked questions for Dodekanisos Seaways

Can i get an e-ticket with dodekanisos seaways, if i don't get an e-ticket, how can i collect and print my tickets, how early should i arrive at the port for dodekanisos seaways, can i take my dog or cat with me, what is considered a child on dodekanisos seaways, can i pay by paypal or debit card, what are considered the best seats, how soon before departure can you book a ticket, how far in advance is it possible to book a ticket, is there disability access to the boats, can i pay by paypal or debit card with dodekanisos seaways, how far in advance can i book a ticket with dodekanisos seaways, it is necessary to provide my personal information to buy a ticket with dodekanisos seaways, how can i learn if my dodekanisos seaways ferry has been delayed, latest prices for dodekanisos seaways, latest booked prices.

• Booked: 24/06/2021
• Travel: 26/06/2021 - 10/07/2021
• People: Two foot passengers

Dodekanisos Seaways Port addresses

Dodekanisos seaways port map, ticket booths (kiosks) for dodekanisos seaways, dodekanisos seaways central agencies, agios kirikos (ikaria), kastellorizo, leros (lakki), vathy (samos), dodekanisos seaways video presentation.

Dodekanisos Seaways telephone numbers

• Main Office: +30 22410 70590

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Voyagez en toute sécurité par bateau rapide..

Voyage rapide avec un beau navire et un équipage très gentil.

The Dodekanisos Seaways fleet

Dodekanisos express.

High speed catamaran

A high speed catamaran, built in 2000. Dodekananisos Seaways specialize in fast ferries around the 12 island of the Dodecanese. This ferry despite being a catamaran also features a small car garage (max 6 cars) and a pet holding area. Inside the seating is airplane type seating and you will find cafe-bar selling a variety of hot and cold drinks and reasonably prices snacks.

KEY FACILITIES

FACTS AND FIGURES

• TOP SPEED Up to 33 knots
• LENGTH 44.05 metres
• PASSENGERS Up to 337
• WIDTH (BEAM) 11.2
• VEHICLES Up to 6
• Rhodes to Symi Ferry
• Kos to Kalymnos Ferry
• Leros to Lipsi Ferry

MORE IMAGES

Dodekanisos Pride

A high speed catamaran, built in 2005. Dodekananisos Seaways specialize in fast ferries around the 12 island of the Dodecanese. This ferry despite being a catamaran also features a small car garage (max 9 cars) and a pet holding area. Inside the seating is airplane type seating and you will find cafe-bar selling a variety of hot and cold drinks and reasonably prices snacks.

• LENGTH 40.05 metres
• PASSENGERS Up to 280
• WIDTH (BEAM) 11.46
• VEHICLES Up to 9
• Agathonisi to Kalymnos Ferry
• Kalymnos to Agathonisi Ferry

Panagia Skiadeni

Conventional ship

A modern vessel built in 2011. Dodekananisos Seaways Panagia Skiadeni offers lounge seating an airplane type seats.

• TOP SPEED Up to 17 knots
• LENGTH 83.7 metres
• PASSENGERS Up to 700
• WIDTH (BEAM) 13.52
• VEHICLES Up to 115
• Rhodes to Panormitis Ferry
• Panormitis to Rhodes Ferry

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Dodekanisos Pride

Dodekanisos Pride, part of the Dodekanisos Seaways fleet, was built in 2000. Dodekanisos Pride has a capacity for 280 passengers and 9 vehicles. Below you can find today's schedule and its live location along with the ferry's features

.css-ymtrcr{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;gap:15px;text-align:left;padding-left:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;} .css-jzw0ib{font-size:22px;font-family:Icons;vertical-align:middle;line-height:1em;width:1em;}  Live schedule

 track dodekanisos pride live.

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Get delay notifications, track Dodekanisos Pride & any other ferry, book tickets and more!

 Ferry information

Dodekanisos Pride offers a range of accommodation options and facilities

Numbered/Airplane Seats

Airline type seats, usually numbered

Passenger capacity

Vehicle capacity

Cruising speed

Place built

Vehicle garage

 Popular routes

Kos to Astypalea

 1h 45m - 1h 55m

Rhodes to Astypalea

Rhodes to Kos

 2h 5m - 3h 40m

€16.00 - €39.00

Kos to Rhodes

Kos to Leros

€24.00 - €29.00

Kos to Kalymnos

€22.00 - €26.00

 Other Dodekanisos Seaways vessels

Dodekanisos Express

Panagia Skiadeni

• Contact Us:
• +30 2810 346185

Dodekanisos Seaways Ferry Schedules, Timetables & Online Tickets

• Ferry Companies
• Dodekanisos Seaways
• Routes & Prices

Including Children & Infants

Including Caravan & Trailers

From: 01-01-2024 To: 31-12-2024

Early Booking up to 50%

Up to 50% discount to tickets booked at least 7 days prior the departure. The Early Booking offers applied to the routes:

RHODES - SYMI  |  SYMI - RHODES

RHODES - KOS  |  KOS - RHODES

RHODES -... More : 

Dodekanisos Seaways Routes & Prices

Samos - Agathonisi - Arki - Patmos - Fourni - Ikaria - Rhodes - Kastellorizo

Rhodes - Chalki - Tilos - Nisyros - Kos - Kalymnos - Agathonisi - Symi - Leros - Lipsi - Patmos

Rhodes - Symi - Panormitis

Dodekanisos seaways route map.

Dodekanisos Seaways Route Map To Samos - Agathonisi - Arki - Patmos - Fourni - Ikaria - Rhodes - Kastellorizo , Rhodes - Chalki - Tilos - Nisyros - Kos - Kalymnos - Agathonisi - Symi - Leros - Lipsi - Patmos , Rhodes - Symi - Panormitis ,

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Moscow Gay Pride Parade ends in violence

MOSCOW Police and nationalist protesters forcefully prevented Russian and foreign gay activists from rallying in Moscow on May 27, where they had hoped to put on a display of gay pride despite the city governments refusal to grant permission for a parade. We are conducting a peaceful action. We want to show that we have the same rights as other citizens, the main organizer Nikolai Alexeyev said a news conference a few hours before the Saturday rally was to begin. Activists had urged gay rights supporters to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, just outside the Kremlin wall, and then to gather in a square opposite Mayor Yuri Luzhkovs office. But police had closed the entrance to the garden where the tomb is located, and as the first half-dozen activists arrived carrying flowers, they were set upon by about 100 religious and nationalist extremists dressed in black who kicked and punched them. Moscow is not Sodom! they shouted. Women wearing headscarves held up religious icons while men in Cossack dress white sheepskin hats and black-and-red tunics stood by. We were expecting this. Its the authorities that are allowing this to happen, said a woman holding a limp red carnation who identified herself as Anna, a lesbian. Riot police rushed in to separate the assailants from the gays but detained Alexeyev as the ringleader, said British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, who was in the group. Police said later they had detained 120 anti-gay protesters and gay activists. Both the authorities and the fascists had the same objective to suppress the Moscow Gay Pride, Tatchell said later. Shortly before the rally was to begin, scores of anti-gay nationalist youths raced toward the site, waving and throwing flares into Moscows main avenue, Tverskaya. By the start time of the rally, more than 100 youths were standing in the square opposite the mayors office, chanting: Glory to Russia! I came here to stop the gay parade. The authorities didnt allow them and they came here anyway, said a 22-year-old nationalist wearing a facemask who gave his name only as Oleg. Police tried to clear the square but more demonstrators showed up. Several trampled a rainbow-colored ribbon a symbol of gay rights into the ground. Perverts parade This is a perverts parade, said Irina, a protester holding an icon of the Virgin Mary who gave only her first name. This is filth, which is forbidden by God. We have to cleanse the world of this filth. As Volker Beck, a Green party member of Germanys parliament, was being interviewed before TV cameras, about 20 nationalist youths surrounded him and pummeled him, bloodying his nose. Volker Eichler, a gay activist from Berlin who witnessed the beating, said police did not intervene. What happened today unfortunately is representative of the non-respect for human rights in Russia. You cant express your point of view, and you are not protected from extremists, said French gay activist Sebastien Maria. The date of the march coincided with the 13th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Russia, and a number of foreign activists traveled to Moscow this week for an unprecedented forum on gay rights in Russia. City authorities cited the potential for violence as the primary reason for banning the parade. But they also voiced disproval of the very idea of gay rights. Luzhkov, the mayor, said in a radio interview May 26 that gay parades may be acceptable for some kind of progressive, in some sense, countries in the West, but it is absolutely unacceptable for Moscow, for Russia. As long as I am mayor, we will not permit these parades to be conducted, he said. The issue has split Moscows gay community, many of whom say that Russian society is still too conservative and that a parade would only provoke more violence from skinheads and radical groups. Reaction to the march melee was swift from gay rights supporters, some of whom condemned Moscows mayor. The Russian people suffered greater casualties than any other country from Nazism whose targets were not only Jews and Soviet citizens but also homosexuals, Londons Mayor Ken Livingstone told PinkNews. To see open fascists and Nazis parading in Moscow, and assaulting gay and lesbian people, is to trample on the memory of all those who fought against Nazism and particularly the 27 million Soviet citizens who died in the fight against fascism. Eyewitness account Scott Long, director of the LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch, observed the planning for Moscows first-ever Gay Pride Parade, and wrote blog posts exclusively to the Washington Blade. On May 27, Long reported that planning for the march continued until marchers hit the streets. Nikolai had spent the morning negotiating in the hotel with police representatives, Long said. Hed described the afternoons plans; theyd assured him he would have adequate protection. One of them, Im told, a Col. Vyacheslav specifically warned there would be right-wing demonstrators, but said theyd be kept separated. Long said gay marchers were greeted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by protesters who arrived in waves. First there were the boys, the most numerous, mostly young though some ranged into their late 30s black-clad, short-haired though usually not shaven, thuggish and enraged. They were the shock troops, he said. They were followed by the priests. These, fatter, older men carried crosses or icons. They had beards, often, leather jackets trimmed to look like orthodox cassocks, sometimes black T-shirts with crosses bent fascist-style as if ready to administer a black mass. They chanted. Chanted. Finally, in the rear, there were the grandmothers old babushkas, kerchiefed, also carrying icons. Before the march, Long said he was apprehensive about repercussions gay Muscovites would face after the worlds media turned its attention to the next news event. The problem is, of course, that the foreigners like me will be there for the day and then go home, he said. We might spend a night or even a few nights in a Russian jail an adventure to tell our nephews and nieces. It is the Russians who will have to deal with the longer-lasting reverberations, the results they cant escape.

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