Green Party members in Oxford have condemned an attack on gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell in Moscow.

Mr Tatchell is standing as the Green Party's Parliamentary candidate for Oxford East at the next General Election.

The human rights activist was attacked during a Moscow rally on Saturday, after travelling to the city at the request of the Moscow Gay Pride organisers.

He was the keynote speaker at the opening session of the conference and was furious that he was arrested - but his attackers were not.

David Williams, Green city councillor for Iffley Fields, who has previously visited Russia and is a leading member of Mr Tatchell's election campaign team, said: "I understand that Peter has now been released without charge, but is pursuing a case against his attackers.

"His right eye is badly bruised and swollen. He has been to hospital and been treated, but we do not yet know the long-term prognosis.

"He was planning to be back in Oxford campaigning later this week. As far as I know, this is still on the cards."

Mr Tatchell was attacked by people he believes were right-wing neo-Nazi extremists.

He said that Moscow riot police stood by while he was attacked. He was then arrested by the police. Mr Tatchell said they let his attackers walk free.