Greek gay community protests Sochi games

This Friday afternoon, at 4 pm, the Greek gay and lesbian community is staging a protest in downtown Athens, outside the legendary Panathinaikon Stadium, the original modern Olympics stadium, home of the first Olympics back in 1896, activists will be staging a silent protest against Russia's official homophobic and trans-phobic stance. They will be protesting for more colorful Olympic games, against homophobia, non-transparency and racism.

Protests are planned in 19 cities around the world. Activists are attempting to influence major sponsors of the Sochi games, so they in turn could apply pressure on the Russian government to alter Russian anti-gay laws.

Even the UN Secretary General made a reference calling participants to stand against all discrimination, in the spirit of the games. Recently released from prison female members of Russian punk band, Pussy Riot, are among the Russian protesters openly accusing president Putin of homophobia.