Gay couple in hate crime

2008-07-28 16:04

Stockholm - A male gay couple were stabbed and robbed during Stockholm's EuroPride festival in what police described Monday as a hate crime.

"Two homosexual men were stopped by three men and were asked directions. The three asked them about their sexuality and then stole their mobile phones and money. One of them was then stabbed in the stomach," Stockholm police spokesperson Towe Haegg said.

The attack late on Sunday "is considered a hate crime", she said, adding police believed the perpetrators had targeted the couple, aged 25 to 30, because they were gay.

No arrests had been made by midday on Monday, she said.

The three men, believed to be in their 20s, were suspected of attempted murder, aggravated robbery and duress.

One of the festival organisers, Jonah Nylund, told Swedish news agency TT the attack was "serious".

"There is a general threat scenario against homosexuals, bisexuals, and transsexuals. They are a vulnerable group and during the festival, there are a lot of them all around and they are visible in Stockholm," he said.

Organisers expect about 17 000 people to participate in this week's EuroPride activities in Stockholm, which include seminars, speeches and workshops.

About 100 000 people are meanwhile expected to take part in the traditional EuroPride parade on Saturday, August 2.

- AFP