Gay couple in Moscow arrested over tribute to Orlando victims

A gay couple arrested by Russian authorities after attempting to pay tribute to the victims of a shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

The young couple, Islam Abdullabeckov and his boyfriend Felix Glyukman went to the American embassy in Moscow with a candle and a sign that said “Love Wins,” The Washington Post reports.

According to the report, police accused them of holding an unauthorized demonstration, a charge that can bring serious fines and even imprisonment in Russia.

“We weren’t going to hold a political” protest, Abdullabeckov told The Washington Post on Wednesday morning via Facebook messages. “We just wanted to put a poster and light candles.”

They face up to 10 days behind bars and a minimum fine of 20,000 rubles ($303) for allegedly holding an unsanctioned picket, RFERL reports.

It was in this climate that Abdullabeckov and Glyukman met a year ago.

In March of 2015, Glyukman, an art student, posted a powerful video to YouTube in which he came out as gay.

Abdullabeckov, who works for a media group that includes Russian newspaper RBK Daily, saw the video and was overwhelmed.