SOLDIERS HELD IN RIO PRIDE SHOOTING

Two Brazilian soldiers have been arrested in connection with the shooting of a 19 year old gay man during Rio de Janeiro’s 15th Pride Parade celebrations.

According to the Brazilian army, one of the suspects has confessed to the shooting.

Douglas Igor Marques Luiz, a student, was allegedly harassed and verbally abused by three men in uniform on Sunday night.

The fracas escalated and he was shot in the stomach. Luiz survived and has since been released from hospital.

The army had originally denied responsibility for the incident. Activists say that while Brazil is known as a country generally tolerant of gays and lesbians, lingering homophobia can still be found.

Rio Pride is one of the largest Pride events in the world. It is believed that gays and lesbians make up a quarter of all tourists to the city.