Four Dutch nationals have been arrested in Russia on charges of spreading ‘homosexual propaganda’, Nos television reported on Monday.

The four were arrested at a festival in Murmansk, close to the border with Finland, and are due to appear in court later on Monday, the broadcaster said. They face a fine.

One of those arrested is Kris van der Veen, who is a councillor for the left-wing green party GroenLinks in Groningen. He is also chairman of the foundation KGBT Groningen, which campaigns for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights.

Nos says the four were making a documentary about gay rights in Russia and had been questioning youngsters about their views.

The four have been released pending their court appearance and Van der Veen used Twitter to say they are being helped by the Dutch consultate.