Russian police raid Moscow nightclubs over 'LGBT propaganda'
Russian police raid Moscow nightclubs over 'LGBT propaganda'
As part of a government crackdown on what it calls "LGBT propaganda," Russian police have raided a number of bars and nightclubs in Moscow and arrested a travel agency director.
Summary
Russian police raided several Moscow nightclubs, including LGBTQ+ venues Mono and Arma, under anti-“LGBT propaganda” laws, confiscating devices and detaining individuals, including a travel agency director accused of organizing a trip for LGBTQ+ clients.
The raids coincide with the one-year anniversary of Russia outlawing the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist organization, part of President Vladimir Putin’s broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.
Framed as defending “traditional family values,” these measures reflect escalating repression amid Russia’s conservative shift since its war in Ukraine began.