Russian LGBT champion Ildar Dadin 'detained for peaceful protest near Vladimir Putin's official quarters'

Human rights group claims dissident Ildar Dadin one of 11 protestors held after reading Russia's constitution out loud near the Kremlin in Moscow.

Ildar Dadin picketing in support of prisoners outside a Moscow Metro station (Vasily Petrov/Facebook)

A Russian LGBT champion was detained for staging a peaceful protest near Vladimir Putin's official quarters, according to a human rights monitor.

Ildar Dadin was one of 11 activists held for reading Russia's constitution out loud near the Kremlin in Moscow, it is claimed.

Human rights group OVD-Info reported that Mr Dadin remains in custody following the incident on Friday.

The 35-year-old, a dissident known for attending pro-LGBT rallies, was the first and only Russian jailed under tough new protest laws in December 2015.

He claimed he was tortured in prison before the country's Supreme Court ordered his release in February following an appeal.

It is not clear whether he will face charges over the incident in Red Square.

Mr Dadin told TASS news agency: “A policeman approached us and warned us that if we don’t leave, they will detain us.

“Ten minutes later police detained us.”

Russia introduced criminal charges for people who breach protest rules twice or more within 180 days in 2014.

Those prosecuted can be jailed for up to five years.

Mr Dadin rose to prominence when he became the first person convicted under the law - Article 212.1 - for staging silent street protests without official permission.

The pro-democracy activist has continued to protest following his release from prison on 26 February.

OVD-Info, a website that tracks the detention of activists, was launched by volunteers in 2011.