[JURIST] The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation [official website, in Russian] has upheld a 2006 Moscow ban on gay pride parades [JURIST report], dismissing an appeal by parade organizers [JURIST report]. The decision handed down Friday upheld a Moscow City Court ruling in May of last year finding that a city ban was legal under Russian law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) [text] because the government can prohibit events to ensure public security and prevent public disturbances. Nicolas Alexeyev, organizer of the Moscow Gay Pride [advocacy website], says that the group will petition for a review with the head of the top court, who has the authority to renew proceedings.

The parade organizers have already filed a complaint [JURIST report] with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) [official website; JURIST news archive], seeking €20,000 euros (approximately $27,000) in compensation. In May, the ECHR ruled that Poland had violated the rights of gay rights activists [JURIST report] by refusing to authorize a 2005 rally in Warsaw. The Pink News has more. Interfax has local coverage.