An intimate image of a gay couple in Russia by a Danish photographer has won the prestigious World Press Photo award.
The image by Mads Nissen of Jon, 21, and Alex, 25, locked in an embrace in a dark, bare room with a curtain as a backdrop was crowned on February 12 as the World Press Photo of the Year 2014.
One of the men lies on his back on a bed with his eyes closed, while the other looks at him, their hands locked.
Nissen said he sees the photo, shot in St. Petersburg, as "a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story" about two people in love but facing outside forces who want to deny them their feelings.
The image is part of a larger project by Nissen called "Homophobia in Russia" that highlights how life is difficult for sexual minorities in Russia.