Police arrest gay rights activists

Four gay rights activists have been arrested by Russian police after protesting in St Petersburg on the opening day of the Sochi Winter Olympics.

The protesters unfurled a banner on Friday quoting the Olympic Charter's ban on any form of discrimination.

Police quickly rounded up the group, who gathered on St Petersburg's Vasilyevsky Island, according to The AP.

Russian law bans any unsanctioned protests, with violators facing fines or prison sentences.

Police refused any immediate comment.