Putin bans public demonstrations, rallies during 2014 Sochi Olympics amid 'anti-gay' backlash

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly banned all demonstrations and rallies for two and a half months in Sochi during and around the 2014 Winter Olympics, amid growing outrage at Russia's 'anti-gay propaganda' laws.

According to the Huffington Post, rights organizations have voiced concerns about what they described as the 'harassment and intimidation of civil society' advocates in Sochi.

According to the decree signed by Putin, all 'gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets' that are not part of the Olympics or the Paralympics will be prohibited in Sochi from January 7 to March 21, 2014, with the report adding that the Sochi event will take place from Feb. 7-23 and the Paralympics from March 7-16.

The decree said that among other restrictions, only cars with local license plates, emergency vehicles and those accredited by the Olympic organizers would be allowed to enter the host city during the Games.

However, Russian gay activist Nikolai Alexeyev said that he would petition the Supreme Court to contest the decree as 'violating the right of freedom of assembly', adding that he would apply for permission to hold a gay pride rally in Sochi on the opening day of the Sochi Games.