Horrific moment thugs attack head of gay rights group as Ukraine is forced to cancel parade hijacked by neo-Nazi zealots

They are shocking pictures which gay people still face a daily struggle against prejudice in some parts of the world.



With a group of three violent thugs kicking and jumping on him, Svyatoslav Sheremet lies forlornly on the ground.



He is being attacked because he is the head of the organisation Gay Forum of Ukraine.

Shocking: Homophobic thugs beat Svyatoslav Sheremet, head of Gay-Forum of Ukraine, in Kiev. He was attacked after telling the media that the first gay parade in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev was cancelled because of safety concerns

He was attacked after meeting with members of the media to inform them that the first gay parade in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev was cancelled.



The attackers ran off when they realised members of the media were documenting the horrific assault.



The event - which had attracted about 150 gay men and lesbians - was held at a secret location and had a huge police presence.



Battered: Svyatoslav Sheremet is covered in blood after he was attacked. Hundreds of neo-Nazis and other right-wing extremists turned up in Kiev to attack the gay parade

But hundreds of neo-Nazis and other right-wing extremists turned up and spread throughout the city and began to attack people.



At least two people required hospital treatment after being assaulted.



Following the arrival of the huge groups of extremists - and the risks they posed to those looking to enjoy the event - Kiev Pride was called off.

The attacks are particularly worrying as Ukraine will jointly host the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship this summer, which will see tens of thousands of football fans from across Europe descend on the country.



Speaking to Trouw.nl , Green MEP Marije Cornelissen said she was disappointed that the authorities could not uphold human rights in Kiev.



She added: 'If the Ukrainian police is unable to offer safety to participants in a Gay Pride, then you may doubt whether they can in the upcoming European Championships.'

One of the organisers of the event - known as Taras - said he was disappointed but added: 'Our goal was to promote dialogue in society, that's succeeded.'

The Ukraine Parliament will meet on Tuesday to condemn yesterday's activities and will also discuss homophobia in the country



Euro 2012 will take place between June 8 and July 1 and will be jointly hosted between Ukraine and Poland.

Troubling: The attacks are particularly worrying as Ukraine will jointly host the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship this summer. Svyatoslav Sheremet is pictured talking to a police officer











