Attempts to carry out a gay parade in downtown Minsk on Saturday were suppressed by special police forces.

The Belarusian gay community had previously asked the country's authorities and President Alexander Lukashenko for permission to hold the parade, but it was denied.

Nevertheless, dozens of members of Belarusian and Russian gay organizations still gathered on the capital's main street.

Police arrested 10 activists for "disorderly behavior," the city's information and public relations department said.

The event also attracted anti-gay protestors, who threw eggs into the crowd.

MINSK, May 15 (RIA Novosti)