Raids on Gay Venues in Moscow In a sudden move, Russian police raided several gay entertainment venues in Moscow, as reported by independent Russian Telegram news outlets. These raids occurred just a day after the Supreme Court’s decision to label the international LGBTQ movement as an extremist organization.
Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling and Its Impact The ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ community, which has been facing a growing crackdown in recent years. This decision aligns with President Putin’s push to present himself as the defender of traditional moral values against what he perceives as liberal Western ideologies.
The Raids’ Execution and Eyewitness Accounts The police raids were officially described as routine drug checks, but eyewitnesses recounted a more distressing scene, with police photographing partygoers’ passports. One of the raided parties was described as a fearful environment where attendees were left confused and scared by the sudden police presence.
Reaction from LGBTQ Community and Activists Milana Petrova, a well-known Russian transgender blogger and LGBTQ activist, responded to the raids on her Telegram channel, clarifying that these were not nightclub raids but targeted actions on private LGBTQ parties. The community expressed alarm over these developments, fearing further repression.
Denials and Conflicting Reports While the manager of the popular Mono gay club in Moscow denied being raided, sources confirmed a drug raid at the Hunters Party pop-up event. This has led to heightened fear and caution within the LGBTQ community, with many expressing reluctance to attend future events.
Wider Context of LGBTQ Targeting in Russia These raids are part of a broader pattern of targeting the LGBTQ community in Russia. Recent legislation, including the expansion of the LGBTQ “propaganda” ban and the stringent “foreign agents” law, exemplify the Kremlin’s efforts to suppress free speech and human rights, particularly in the context of its military actions in Ukraine.