There were no arrests or reports of harassment during a small gay pride rally, believed to be the first of its kind, that was held in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, Pink News reports.
Citing a report from Oxu News, Pink News says the event unfolded in a “friendly atmosphere and without incidents” on Sept 7.
Participants reportedly covered their faces and raised rainbow flags high over their heads.
Even though homosexuality was decriminalized in 2001, Azerbaijan’s LGBT citizens still face police harassment and brutality, blackmail and intimidation, among other threats, says UK gay rights activist Peter Tatchell.
The country is bordered by Russia to the north and Iran to the south.
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