Neo-Nazis Attack Ukrainian LGBT Activists

A group of Neo-Nazis threw smoke bombs into the offices of a Ukrainian LGBT group and almost killed an activist who tried to stop them.

Six masked Neo-Nazis attacked a Ukrainian LGBT group's headquarters in the city of Kryvyi Rih on Sunday night, the group reported, trapping seven staffers inside.

The attackers threw smoke bombs and flares into the building, according to the report by Gay Alliance Ukraine. One man who tried to stop the attack was beaten so severely he nearly died.

According to GayStarNews, the assailants ran before authorities arrived. Six members of Queer Home Kryvbas were treated for smoke inhalation, but only the man who was beaten required hospitalization, and he was treated for a severe concussion.

The attack follows a similar strike on a cafe in the same city, where LGBT activists were hosting a party. 20 attackers wearing masks and right-wing symbols forced their way into the cafe and assaulted attendees. Two weeks ago, masked attackers hurled smoke bombs into an Odessa venue where activists were discussing the recent ban on Pride activities by the city's mayor.

Odessa Pride was canceled after anti-LGBT demonstrators attacked a pride parade in Kiev injuring a half dozen police officers. Citing safety concerns, Odessa authorities called off the parade but activists have vowed to continue the march.

No one has been arrested in any of the attacks and activists have claimed that police were letting the suspects found at the scene of the crimes walk free without being charged.

"Gay Alliance Ukraine appeals to the law enforcement authorities with the demand not only to punish the guilty in these two incidents, but to also do everything in their power to protect the lives, health and basic rights of the citizens of Ukraine," a spokesperson said in a statement.