Activists from the Russian punk rock feminist group Pussy Riot have hung rainbow flags outside multiple government buildings to mark President Vladimir Putin’s 68th birthday.
The flags were hung in front of the Ministry of Culture, the presidential administration, the Russian Supreme Court and at the headquarters of the country's domestic secret service FSB.
"We chose the rainbow flags as a gift for Putin as a symbol of missing love and freedom," the group said in a Facebook post.
"The state should not interfere in (the) life of the LGBTIQ+ community," the post continued. "But if it does, then the community can intervene in the life of the state. You yourself like to say 'symmetrical response' in such cases."
The group listed a set of demands, calling for the legalisation of same-sex partnerships, an end to discrimination against LGBTIQ+ Russians and investigations into the reported kidnappings and killings of LGBTIQ+ members in the ultra-conservative republic of Chechnya.
A rainbow flag is seen on the Culture Ministry building in Moscow, Russia. Source: Pussy Riot Facebook
Two group members - Vasily Andrianov and Elizaveta Diderikh - were arrested on Wednesday for holding rallies in downtown Moscow.
Pussy Riot is known for its vocal stance against the Russian government's crackdown on the LGBTIQ+ community.
The group is a feminist, punk rock band based in Moscow, with a rotating cast of musicians and artists. Founded in August 2011, it conducts controversial protest stunts and performances against human rights violations and political oppression.
Pussy Riot performs its protest art and music around the world, having visited a number of countries, including Australia.
