Prominent Russian gay rights activist Nikolai Alekseyev says he is leaving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) movement.
Alekseyev announced his decision on Twitter.
He says an article in a U.S. gay and lesbian lifestyle magazine prompted the move.
In the article, the author, Michael Lucas, suggests Alekseyev has either been bought or coerced into becoming the "Kremlin's pocket gay."
Lucas, a gay American who reportedly grew up in Russia, says Alekseyev has "changed his tune" and can no longer be trusted as an advocate of LGBT rights in Russia.
Alekseyev was recently questioned by prosecutors as part of a criminal probe launched after two senior Russian female lawmakers complained he had insulted them on the Internet while commenting on controversial Russian antigay legislation.
Earlier this week, investigators raided Alekseyev's apartment in Moscow.
Alekseyev announced his decision on Twitter.
He says an article in a U.S. gay and lesbian lifestyle magazine prompted the move.
In the article, the author, Michael Lucas, suggests Alekseyev has either been bought or coerced into becoming the "Kremlin's pocket gay."
Lucas, a gay American who reportedly grew up in Russia, says Alekseyev has "changed his tune" and can no longer be trusted as an advocate of LGBT rights in Russia.
Alekseyev was recently questioned by prosecutors as part of a criminal probe launched after two senior Russian female lawmakers complained he had insulted them on the Internet while commenting on controversial Russian antigay legislation.
Earlier this week, investigators raided Alekseyev's apartment in Moscow.
